Word parts
What it means
An isotonic IV fluid stays mostly in the blood vessels and the space around cells, raising the fluid volume without making cells swell or shrink. Common isotonic fluids are 0.9% sodium chloride (salineSAY-leenA solution of salt (sodium chloride) in water, used for IV fluids, flushes, wound cleaning and other care.Full entry ) and lactated Ringer's. Hypotonic fluids are weaker than blood and move water into cells; hypertonic fluids are stronger and pull water out of cells.
For the nurse
Isotonic fluids are used to treat low fluid volume and to replace blood loss. Watch for fluid overload, with crackles in the lungs, swelling and shortness of breath, especially in clients with heart or kidney disease.
At a glance
| Spanish | isotónico |
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Related terms
saline
A solution of salt (sodium chloride) in water, used for IV fluids, flushes, wound cleaning and other care.
iso-
A word beginning that means equal or the same.
sodium chloride
Salt: a compound of sodium and chloride, used in IV fluids, flushes, tablets and rinses.
osmotic
Relating to osmosis, the movement of water across a membrane toward the side with more dissolved particles.