What it means
The chemical name for table salt (NaCl). In health care it comes in many strengths. A 0.9% solution, salineSAY-leenA solution of salt (sodium chloride) in water, used for IV fluids, flushes, wound cleaning and other care.Full entry , has about the same concentration as blood and is the most common IV fluid and flush. A 0.45% solution is weaker than blood, and 3% or stronger (hypertonic) solutions are used for severe low sodium or brain swelling. It also comes as tablets, nasal sprays and wound rinses.
For the nurse
Read the percentage on the bag every time. ISMP lists sodium chloride for injection stronger than 0.9% as a high-alert medication: it is given on a pump with close checks of the sodium level and neurological status.
At a glance
| Drug class | electrolyte replacement |
|---|---|
| Abbreviations | NaCl |
| Spanish | cloruro de sodio |
| Also written | NaCl |
Related terms
electrolyte
A mineral that carries an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride.
sodium
A mineral in the blood that controls how water moves in the body and helps nerves and muscles work.
hyponatremia
A blood sodium level below normal, under 135 mEq/L.
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.