We use many different fluids in surgery and anesthesia. In anesthesia, fluids are used to hydrate and carry vital medications to your heart and body through your IV.
Not all fluids are the same, however. And fluids are NOT plain water (that would be lethal). There are minor differences in the ingredients of each type of fluid solution. Here I'm showing lactated ringers, one of the common solutions for surgery. However, because of its potassium and calcium we can't use it in all surgeries and all patient situations.
CALCIUM + BLOOD 🩸 can cause MINI CLOTS in the transfused blood! This can cause heart attacks, strokes, and other clotting complications. It's why we use NORMAL SALINE with blood transfusions!
