Categories of IV Solutions
There are two major types of IV
solutions: crystalloids and colloids.
Crystalloids are water solutions with
electrolytes and other substances
such as minerals added. An electrolyte
is an element from the periodic
table with either a positive or
negative charge. Examples of positively
charged electrolytes are sodium
(Na+) and potassium (K+). Sodium is
a common electrolyte added to crystalloids.
Potassium can be added to
the crystalloid solution if the patient’s
potassium level is low. Other substances
without electrical charges
such as glucose – usually infused as
dextrose – can be added to water
solutions (Phillips, 2010).