Which IV fluid is often used for patients with low blood pressure and hypovolemia?

Lactated Ringer’s solution is often the preferred choice for patients experiencing low blood pressure and hypovolemia. This is due to its balanced electrolyte composition, which closely resembles the body's natural plasma. The presence of multiple electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, calcium, and lactate, allows it to effectively expand intravascular volume and restore fluid balance more naturally than some other options.

When dealing with hypovolemia, it is critical to provide fluids that not only help to increase blood volume but also support electrolyte balance and metabolic function. The lactate in Lactated Ringer's solution serves as a buffer, helping to manage acidosis that may occur in critically ill patients. As a result, this solution is often favored in emergency settings and for resuscitation in patients with these conditions.

While normal saline is also an option for fluid resuscitation, it contains only sodium and chloride, which may lead to hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis if used extensively. Dextrose 5% in water is mainly used for energy supply rather than volume expansion and does not effectively address hypovolemia. Half-normal saline provides a hypotonic solution which does not adequately address low blood pressure in a hypovolemic patient.