What it means
A balanced IV solution used to replace fluid lost through bleeding, burns, surgery and dehydration. It has about the same concentration as blood plasma (isotoniceye-soh-TON-ikHaving the same concentration of dissolved particles as blood, so water does not move into or out of cells.iso- equalton/o tension-ic relating toFull entry ), so it stays in the bloodstream and tissues without moving water into or out of cells. The liver changes its lactate into bicarbonate. It is named after Sydney Ringer, an English physician who made the first version in the 1880s; in the UK a similar fluid is called Hartmann's solution.
For the nurse
Do not run it in the same line as blood, since its calcium can make blood clot in the tubing; use normal saline with blood. Watch for fluid overload, such as crackles, swelling and weight gain, in clients with heart or kidney disease.
At a glance
| Drug class | isotonic crystalloid IV solution |
|---|---|
| Abbreviations | LR |
| Also written | lactated Ringer solution, lactated Ringer's, Lactated Ringer’s, lactated ringers, Ringer's lactate, LR |
Related terms
saline
A solution of salt (sodium chloride) in water, used for IV fluids, flushes, wound cleaning and other care.
isotonic
Having the same concentration of dissolved particles as blood, so water does not move into or out of cells.
lactic
Relating to milk, or to lactic acid, a substance cells make when they break down glucose without enough oxygen.