LR, Hypertonic or Isotonic

Published

Specializes in Paramedic 15 years, RN now.

I learned that the 3 isotonic fluids are NS, LR, and D5W.....why do i now see LR listed as a hypertonic solution in my Saunders review book???? What the heck???

What does nclex consider it to be? Anyone know????

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, Med/Surg, Vascular Access.

LR is isotonic. It is very similar to plasma. It's just a typo in your book. NCLEX considers it to be what it is--isotonic. And btw, while D5W goes in isotonic, the dextrose is quickly metabolized and the net result is electrolyte-free water, which is hypotonic, so we learned that D5W is hypotonic, not isotonic. Figure that one out yourself, but LR is definitely isotonic.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

^^^^ Ditto! We just got lecture on this on Wednesday and that's exactly what our instructor taught

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Murse said the same thing I was thinking. I started it typing it earlier today, but 911 called me away.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i was taught that it was hypertonic

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion