CRYSTALLOIDS Meaning and
Definition
-
Crystalloids are substances characterized by their ability to form crystals, which are highly ordered arrangements of molecules or ions. These substances can dissolve in a liquid, usually water, to form a clear solution. In a medical context, crystalloids refer to a class of intravenous fluids used to restore and maintain fluid balance within the body.
Crystalloids are composed of small molecules or ions that can easily pass through the semi-permeable membranes of cells. They are commonly used to replace lost fluids and electrolytes in patients suffering from dehydration, excessive fluid loss, or shock. The primary goal of crystalloid infusion is to replenish fluids and maintain proper hydration, while also restoring the balance of important electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride.
Crystalloids are further classified into isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic solutions, depending on their tonicity relative to body fluids. Isotonic crystalloids have the same osmolarity as blood plasma and are commonly used for fluid resuscitation. Hypertonic crystalloids have a higher osmolarity than blood and are reserved for specific conditions such as severe hyponatremia. Hypotonic crystalloids, on the other hand, have a lower osmolarity than blood and are used to increase intracellular fluid volumes.
Crystalloids are generally safe and have a low risk of allergic reactions or adverse effects. However, they have limitations in terms of their inability to carry oxygen or coagulation factors. In certain cases, such as severe hemorrhage or significant volume depletion, crystalloids may be combined with blood products or colloids to provide more effective fluid replacement and maintain hemodynamic stability.
Common Misspellings for CRYSTALLOIDS
- xrystalloids
- vrystalloids
- frystalloids
- drystalloids
- ceystalloids
- cdystalloids
- cfystalloids
- ctystalloids
- c5ystalloids
- c4ystalloids
- crtstalloids
- crgstalloids
- crhstalloids
- crustalloids
- cr7stalloids
- cr6stalloids
- cryatalloids
- cryztalloids
- cryxtalloids
- krystalloids
- cristaloids
- Krystalloide
Etymology of CRYSTALLOIDS
The word "crystalloids" is derived from the combination of two root words: "crystal" and "oid".
1. Crystal: The word "crystal" comes from the Latin word "crystallus", which itself has its roots in the Greek word "krustallos". Both words refer to clear ice or rock crystal.
2. -oid: The suffix "-oid" is derived from the Greek suffix "-oeidēs", meaning "resembling" or "having the form of". It is often used to form adjectives or nouns that depict something resembling or having a similar form to something else.
Therefore, the term "crystalloids" combines the root word "crystal" (referring to clear ice or rock crystal) with the suffix "-oid" (indicating resemblance or having the form of) to describe substances or particles resembling or having the form of crystals.
Similar spelling words for CRYSTALLOIDS
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
