What it means
An isotonic crystalloid named after Sydney Ringer, the British physician who developed it in the 1880s. The form used most today is lactated Ringer's, which also contains lactate that the liver turns into bicarbonate. It replaces fluid and salts lost through bleeding, burns, surgery, vomiting or diarrhea.
For the nurse
Because it contains calcium, it is not run in the same line as blood products, which can clot. It contains potassium, so check the potassium level and kidney function, and watch any client at risk of fluid overload during large volumes.
At a glance
| Also written | Ringer solution, Ringer’s solution |
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Related terms
infusion
The slow delivery of a fluid or drug into the body, usually into a vein, over a period of time.
saline
A solution of salt (sodium chloride) in water, used for IV fluids, flushes, wound cleaning and other care.
lactated Ringer's solution
An isotonic IV fluid containing water, sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium and lactate.
NS
An abbreviation used most often for normal saline, a solution of 0.9% sodium chloride in water.