Which fluid is described as the fluid of choice for civilian trauma resuscitation in another phrasing of the material?

• A. Lactated Ringers
• B. Normal Saline
• C. Dextrose 5% in water
• D. Colloids

Answer: (A)

Lactated Ringers is preferred because it’s a balanced crystalloid that more closely mirrors plasma composition, helping restore intravascular volume while preserving acid-base balance during hemorrhagic shock. The lactate in the solution is metabolized to bicarbonate, providing a buffering effect against the metabolic acidosis that often accompanies trauma resuscitation. Its electrolyte mix also reduces the risk of hyperchloremic acidosis and related renal effects that can come with large volumes of normal saline. In civilian trauma, this combination makes it the most suitable initial fluid for rapid volume expansion without introducing problematic shifts in osmolarity or metabolism. Dextrose solutions tend to be inappropriate for primary resuscitation due to glucose load and potential coagulopathy concerns, and colloids have not shown consistent benefit in this setting.