A trauma patient has been struck in the abdomen by the steering column of the car he was driving. He is hypotensive, confused, and short of breath. Both you and your partner are concerned that he may have ruptured his spleen and is bleeding internally. Normal saline is being provided through the IV for transport. As such, you recognize that this solution will provide:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Normal saline is a solution of sodium chloride in water, which provides electrolytes to replenish lost plasma. It does not contain sugar, red blood cells, or clotting factors. Therefore, it is given to trauma patients to help replace lost fluids and maintain blood pressure during transport.

A Trauma Patient Has Been Struck in the Abdomen by the Steering