Which fluid is described as the fluid of choice for civilian trauma resuscitation?

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

Answer: (A)

In civilian trauma resuscitation, the goal is to rapidly restore intravascular volume while minimizing metabolic disturbances. Lactated Ringer's is a balanced crystalloid that closely resembles extracellular fluid in electrolytes and includes lactate to help buffer acidosis once it’s metabolized. This helps support perfusion without the risk of large shifts in chloride or acid-base imbalance that can come with large volumes of normal saline. Dextrose-containing fluids don’t provide sustained intravascular volume and can cause glucose-related complications in trauma patients. Plasma is a blood product used to replace coagulation factors and volume when needed, not as the initial resuscitation fluid. So Lacated Ringer’s best fits the initial resuscitation goals.