Understanding Anesthesiology - The Global Regional Anesthesia ...

Crystalloid
Crystalloids are solutions of simple inorganic or organic salts. Examples include normal saline,
ringers lactate and “2/3 and 1/3”.
They are commonly used for maintenance fluid administration as well as replacement of
fluid deficits.
Though administered into the intravascular space, crystalloids distribute throughout the entire
extracellular space (not just the intravascular space) due to their low oncotic pressure.
Some types of crystalloids will distribute beyond the extracellular compartment. Hypotonic
crystalloids (those that have lower osmotic pressure than extracellular fluid), such as 2/3 and
1/3, will cross into intracellular compartments.
Related Glossary Terms
Colloids, Euvolemia, Maintenance fluid requirements, Pre-operative fluid deficit, Shock,
Third space loss
Index
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Chapter 1 - Fluid Management
Chapter 1 - Fluid Management
Chapter 1 - Fluid Management
Chapter 5 - Obstetrical Anesthesia
Chapter 5 - Pediatric Anesthesia