Electrolyte solutions for intravenous fluid therapy

Body fluids consist of plasma, interstitial fluid and intracellular fluid. These fluids contain electrolytes along with other components. The concentration of anions and cations of electrolytes in plasma are equal and maintained at a stable level of 154 mEq/l. The total concentration of cations and anions is 308 mEq/l.

When the body loses electrolytes, restoring electrolyte balance must ensure both the overall concentration and the concentration of each type of cation and anion according to the ratio in plasma.

To replenish and provide electrolytes, intravenous solutions are used, including:

• 0.9% NaCl solution

• Ringer’s solution

• Lactated Ringer’s solution

• Multi-electrolyte solutions

These types of solutions help to replenish water, electrolytes and essential nutrients for the body when it is dehydrated, loses electrolytes or needs nutritional supplementation.