Tag: Crystalloid

Standard blood bank recommendations specify that lactated Ringer's (LR) solution should be avoided when transfusing blood due to a theoretical risk of clotting. This long-standing guideline stems from the direct chemical incompatibility between the calcium in LR and the citrate anticoagulant used to preserve blood products.

Intravenous fluids are broadly classified into crystalloids and colloids. When searching for an IV solution with an electrolyte balance that closely matches the body's natural fluids, a healthcare provider will consider specific types of crystalloids that are similar to plasma, such as Lactated Ringer's and Plasma-Lyte. These balanced solutions are designed to mimic the physiological composition of human blood plasma more closely than other options like normal saline.

Burn injuries affecting more than 20% of the total body surface area (TBSA) trigger a massive inflammatory response, leading to significant fluid shifts and plasma loss. In these severe cases, understanding why is albumin given to burn patients is crucial for managing burn shock, a life-threatening condition caused by severe hypovolemia.