A '''crystalloid''' fluids form a true solution meaning it can easily cross a semi permeable membrane and is distinguished by its ability to be crystallised. They can be classified as ''maintainance'' or ''replacement fluids''. A replacement crystalloid often do not have high potassium concentrations allowing for rapid administration without potassium toxicity, where as maintainance crystalloids often have a higher potassium but lower sodium and chloride then a replacement crystalloid.
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A '''crystalloid''' fluids form a true solution meaning it can easily cross a semi permeable membrane and is distinguished by its ability to be crystallised. They can be classified as ''maintainance'' or ''replacement fluids''. A replacement crystalloid often do not have high potassium concentrations allowing for rapid administration without potassium toxicity, where as maintainance crystalloids often have a higher potassium but lower sodium and chloride than a replacement crystalloid.