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==Introduction==
==Introduction==
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.
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.
===Hypertonic saline===
===Hypertonic saline===
''Hypertonic saline'' is rarely used although it does have some benefits. It increases plasma volume by drawing fluid from outside the circulation (i.e. intersitial and intracellular fluid) due to the change in osmotic pressure between the two compartments. However, the consequence of this is that the patient will become dehydrated which can be detrimental to a patient and so hypertonic solutions should not be used long term.
''Hypertonic saline'' is rarely used although it does have some benefits. It increases plasma volume by drawing fluid from outside the circulation (i.e. intersitial and intracellular fluid) due to the change in osmotic pressure between the two compartments. However, the consequence of this is that the patient will become dehydrated which can be detrimental to a patient and so hypertonic solutions should not be used long term.
[[Category:Fluid Therapy]]