Which fluid is used in blood transfusions and for restoring loss of bodily fluids?

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

Answer: (A)

Normal saline is used for blood transfusions and restoring loss of bodily fluids because it is isotonic with plasma, so it expands intravascular volume without causing water to shift into or out of cells. It provides the needed volume support without introducing components that could interact with stored blood products. Stored blood uses citrate as an anticoagulant, and calcium-containing fluids can interfere with that anticoagulation, raising the risk of clotting in the transfusion line or product. Dextrose-containing solutions can alter osmolar balance and RBC integrity, while fluids with calcium or lactate can have other interactions with transfused blood. Colloids can expand volume but don’t address the need to replace red cells and carry different risks. So normal saline remains the preferred fluid for transfusion-related resuscitation.