Crystalloids include which of the following options?

• A. Dextrose in Water (D5W, D10W, D50W); Saline (Isotonic, Hypotonic, and Hypertonic); Combo Solutions (D5 1/2 NS, D5NS, D10NS); Ringer's Lactate
• B. Albumin (5% in NS), Dextrans, Hetastarch, Blood
• C. Isotonic crystalloids only
• D. Hypertonic saline only

Answer: (A)

Crystalloids are solutions that contain small solute particles that freely cross capillary walls. They include dextrose-containing fluids (like D5W, D10W, D50W), various saline solutions (isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic), and mixed fluids such as D5 1/2 NS, D5NS, D10NS, along with balanced crystalloids like Ringer’s Lactate. These fluids are used for volume expansion and maintenance, and their water and solute content distributes quickly between the intravascular and interstitial spaces. In contrast, colloids contain larger molecules (albumin, dextrans, hetastarch, blood products) and behave differently in the intravascular space. The option that lists the full range of crystalloids—dextrose solutions, saline solutions, combination dextrose-saline solutions, and Ringer’s Lactate—best fits.