Thought I would do something challenging, possibly fun, and a reminder of just how complex something we take for granted every day can be. Anybody with a degree in chemistry, biology, engineering, or physics need not post.
Okay, here goes. Normal saline, we all give it, we all talk about it, do we really know it on a fundamental level?
So, take a look at a liter of the ever present 0.9 % normal saline. What does it say on the bag? Do you see something about milliequivalents? What does this mean and can we do any meaningful calculations to better understand this common medication?
Take care,
cbare.
I spent a few years as an EMT-I/D. If I remember correctly, the milliequivalents are the amount of sodium in the Liter of water. It can be used as fluid replacement since the sodium level is the same as in the human body. It can also be used as small sodium replacement therapy, however, a more concentrated solution would be better. I have also used it for flushing out eyes and rinsing off wounds. Am I answering your question, or am I on the wrong track?
Chem 101 Redux
in Education and Training
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I spent a few years as an EMT-I/D. If I remember correctly, the milliequivalents are the amount of sodium in the Liter of water. It can be used as fluid replacement since the sodium level is the same as in the human body. It can also be used as small sodium replacement therapy, however, a more concentrated solution would be better. I have also used it for flushing out eyes and rinsing off wounds. Am I answering your question, or am I on the wrong track?
Dad7892