What type of IV fluids should be used?

Normal saline (NS) is often the preferred intravenous fluid in many clinical situations because it is isotonic, meaning it has the same osmolarity as blood plasma. This characteristic makes it effective for volume resuscitation in patients who are dehydrated or in shock. Normal saline is composed of sodium chloride dissolved in sterile water, which helps to easily restore fluid balance without introducing additional electrolytes that might complicate the patient's condition.

In situations where a patient may need immediate volume expansion or rapid infusion, normal saline provides a straightforward option for fluid replacement without the risk of causing fluid overload or imbalances associated with other types of fluids. It's commonly used in emergency settings and during transport, making it a staple in various protocols.

In contrast, while colloids can be useful in specific scenarios to increase oncotic pressure, they are less commonly used for general volume resuscitation due to potential side effects. Half normal saline is hypotonic and generally used to treat patients with specific needs for less concentrated solutions or as part of maintenance fluid therapy rather than for immediate resuscitation. Lactated Ringer's solution contains additional electrolytes and buffers, which can be beneficial in certain situations but may not be the first choice compared to normal saline in acute settings.