D5W vs. D5 NS

D5W (260 mOsm/L) = Isotonic Solution: Osmolarity about equal to serum, expands intravascular compartment.

D5 NS (560 mOsm/L) = Hypertonic Solution: Osmolarity higher than serum, draws fluid into the intravascular compartment from cells and interstitial compartments.

I hope this helps

D5W is 5% dextrose in water is hypotonic so it moves fluid into the cells out of the circulation.

D5NS is 5% dextrose in normal saline. Is hypertonic so it does the opposite, it moves fluid out of the cells and into the circulation.

Hope this helps


Sweetooth

I just want to add to what nursey poo said. D5W is technically isotonic, but it becomes hypotonic once in the body so it pulls fluid out of the vasculature and into the cells.

Swtooth

I just want to add to what swtooth said: the reason isotonic D5W becomes hypotonic in the body is because the glucose is broken down once it is in the body by insulin so this is not an immediate change but it does happen quickly.

Check out: A closer look at I.V. fluids Nursing - Find Articles

Very good website!

I copied this info, as I'm often wondering why I'm hanging this fluid instead of that one; it's not something we were taught in detail and obviously on med-surg I'm ALWAYS hanging fluids.

However, the article said to look to "What's in There? Contents of Some Common I.V. Fluids" for some more info, but I can't find how to get this other article....?

I'd love to have a breakdown for some other fluids, such as Lactated Ringers. Patients often ask "what's that for" and beyond giving them a very basic "it keeps you hydrated" response, it'd be nice to know for myself a bit more!