Saline, specifically normal saline solution, is used in hospitals as an intravenous (IV) fluid to provide hydration and deliver medications. According to provided information, normal saline solution is a mixture of water and salt with a salt concentration of 0.9%. For every 1 liter (1,000 milliliters) of water, there are 9 grams of salt.
Common uses of saline in hospitals:
- Hydration: Saline helps replenish fluids in patients who are dehydrated due to illness, surgery, or other conditions.
- Medication Delivery: Saline can be used as a vehicle to deliver medications intravenously.
- Wound Cleaning: While not explicitly mentioned in the reference, saline is also commonly used to clean wounds and prevent infection.
- Flushing IV Lines: Saline is used to flush IV lines and catheters to maintain patency and prevent blockages.
