Crystalloid and Colloid Fluids
2 Colloids have a higher molecular weight and osmotic pressure which slows passage across. Author Rinaldo Bellomo 1. Pin On Nursing Colloid fluids are the more effective plasma volume expanders over time whereas the crystalloids markedly expand the plasma volume only during the infusion and for 30 min thereafter. . Saline with small molecules which can move around easily when injected into the body. Almost the entire volume is retained within the vascular space after 1 hour. According to biologic rationale ongoing fluid losses should be replaced to maintain fluid homeostasis and relative or absolute deficiencies in circulating blood volume should be prevented. Therefore crystalloids are shown to be useful for fluid replacement or maintaining fluid balance in the short term only. Crystalloids have small molecules are cheap easy to use and provide immediate fluid resuscitation but may increase oedema. Colloid solutions broad
