Crystalloids vs Colloids Nursing IV Fluid Types Next Generation NCLEX

Summary

In this video, Nurse Sarah explains the differences between colloid and crystalloid IV solutions. Both types expand plasma volume, but they work in different ways. Colloids, such as albumin, pull water into the bloodstream using large molecules that cannot escape capillaries, which is beneficial for treating hypovolemic shock or severe burns. Crystalloids, which include hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic solutions, contain smaller molecules that can cause fluid shifts in cells. Crystalloids are more accessible, cost-effective, and don’t cause allergic reactions or coagulation issues. Nurse Sarah provides a concise overview to help understand these vital medical fluids.

Takeaways

• 😀 Colloids and crystalloids are both intravenous (IV) solutions that expand plasma volume by adding fluid to the intravascular space (blood vessels).
• 😀 Colloid solutions include natural (albumin) and synthetic (dextran, hydroxyethyl starch, gelatin) types. These solutions have large molecules that stay in the intravascular space.
• 😀 Colloid solutions work by increasing oncotic pressure (colloidal osmotic pressure), which draws water from the interstitial space into the blood vessels.
• 😀 Colloids are effective for expanding plasma volume and are useful in conditions like hypovolemic shock, severe burns, and significant bleeding.
• 😀 The volume of colloids administered typically equals the amount of fluid lost by the patient, making them effective for volume replacement.
• 😀 Two downsides of colloids are the risk of allergic reactions and coagulation problems. These solutions are also less accessible and more expensive.
• 😀 Crystalloid solutions include hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic fluids, which contain smaller molecules (electrolytes) and are more common than colloids.
• 😀 Crystalloid solutions are less effective at staying in the intravascular space and generally require larger volumes for fluid replacement, increasing the risk of fluid overload.
• 😀 Hypertonic crystalloids have a high solute concentration, which can draw water out of cells and shrink them—useful in conditions like cerebral edema.
• 😀 Hypotonic crystalloids have a lower solute concentration and cause water to move into the cells, which may help rehydrate cells but could cause cell rupture if overused.
• 😀 Isotonic crystalloids have equal solute concentration to blood plasma, and they primarily expand the intravascular space without causing large shifts in water between compartments.
• 😀 Crystalloid solutions do not cause allergic reactions or coagulation issues, are easily accessible, and are typically less expensive compared to colloid solutions.

Q & A

What is the primary function of colloid solutions in the body?

Colloid solutions primarily work by pulling water into the intravascular space, expanding plasma volume, which is helpful in conditions like hypovolemic shock, severe burns, or significant bleeding.

How do colloid solutions exert their effect on the intravascular space?

Colloid solutions contain large molecules, such as proteins, that cannot escape the capillary walls. This causes high concentrations of these molecules within the intravascular space, increasing oncotic pressure, which draws water from the surrounding tissues into the blood vessels.

What are some examples of colloid solutions?

Examples of colloid solutions include natural types like albumin, and synthetic types such as dextran, hydroxyethyl starches, and gelatin.

What are the potential risks associated with colloid solutions?

Colloid solutions may cause allergic reactions and coagulation problems. Additionally, they tend to be less accessible and more costly than other fluid types.

How do crystalloid solutions differ from colloid solutions in terms of molecular size?

Crystalloid solutions contain smaller molecules, such as electrolytes, compared to the larger protein molecules in colloid solutions.

What types of crystalloid solutions exist, and how do they work?

Crystalloid solutions are categorized into hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic solutions. Hypertonic solutions have a high concentration of solutes, which can pull water from cells. Hypotonic solutions have a low concentration of solutes, causing water to enter the cells. Isotonic solutions have equal solute concentration to the blood, expanding the intravascular space without causing significant fluid movement into or out of cells.

What is the main risk associated with hypertonic crystalloid solutions?

Hypertonic crystalloid solutions can pull water from the cells, potentially leading to dehydration of the cells, which can be useful in treating conditions like cerebral edema.

Why might hypotonic solutions cause cell damage?

Hypotonic solutions have lower osmolarity than blood, which causes water to flow into the cells. This can lead to cell swelling, and in extreme cases, the cells may rupture.

What is the benefit of using isotonic solutions?

Isotonic solutions have the same osmolarity as blood plasma, meaning they expand the intravascular space without causing significant fluid shifts between the cells and the bloodstream.

What are the advantages of crystalloid solutions over colloid solutions?

Crystalloid solutions do not cause allergic reactions or coagulation issues, are more easily accessible, and tend to be more cost-effective than colloid solutions.