What it means
Normal saline is 0.9% sodium chloride, an isotonic solution with about the same salt content as blood. It is the most common IV fluid, the only fluid given with blood, and is used to flush IV lines and clean wounds. Half-normal saline (0.45%) is hypotonic, and 3% saline is hypertonic, used in a few emergencies such as severe low sodiumSOH-dee-umA mineral in the blood that controls how water moves in the body and helps nerves and muscles work.Full entry with brain swelling.
For the nurse
Watch for fluid overloadFLOO-id OH-ver-lohdToo much fluid in the body, in the blood vessels and the tissues.Full entry in clients with heart or kidney disease. ISMP lists sodium chloride injection stronger than 0.9% as a high-alert medication: it needs a pump, close sodium checks and careful labeling.
At a glance
| Drug class | crystalloid IV solution |
|---|---|
| Abbreviations | NS (normal saline, ambiguous on its own); 0.9% NaCl |
| Spanish | solución salina |
| Also written | salines, normal saline |
Related terms
sodium
A mineral in the blood that controls how water moves in the body and helps nerves and muscles work.
infusion
The slow delivery of a fluid or drug into the body, usually into a vein, over a period of time.
blood product
Any part of donated blood prepared for transfusion, such as red cells, plasma or platelets.