Which fluid is a typical example of a hypotonic IV fluid?

Half normal saline (0.45% NaCl) is considered a typical example of a hypotonic IV fluid. Hypotonic solutions have a lower concentration of solutes compared to the fluid inside red blood cells. When administering a hypotonic IV fluid like half normal saline, it causes water to move into the cells, due to osmotic gradients, leading to cell swelling.

Half normal saline is often used for patients who are dehydrated and need to replenish the water in their cells without significantly increasing the sodium levels. It is crucial in clinical settings to choose the right IV fluids based on the patient’s needs, and hypotonic fluids like half normal saline can help in managing specific electrolyte imbalances and fluid shifts in the body. This characteristic of hypotonic solutions effectively differentiates them from isotonic and hypertonic solutions, which are used for other therapeutic purposes.