Saline solution is a sterile solution of NaCl (sodium chloride, aka table salt) in water.
Methods
Saline solution is used for:
IV infusion
Rinsing contact lens
Nasal irrigation
Cleaning a new piercing
Types
Normal saline (NS, N/S or NSS) is a solution of 0.9% w/v (i.e. 1g per 1000mL) NaCl. It is also referred to as isotonic saline, but is technically incorrect. It is frequently used in IV drips for Pt's unable to take fluids orally, or are in danger (or have) dehydration or hypovolemia. Rapid infusion of NS can cause metabolic acidosis (i.e. too much CO2/acid in the body, unable to be removed by the kidney)
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