ABNORMAL Normal Saline
From The Clinical Etymologist by Dr. Simon Kim
January 13, 2026 · 17 min · Season 2 · Episode 1
About this episode
This episode explores the misnomer of 'Normal Saline' and its implications in clinical practice.
Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Season 2 0.9% “Normal” Saline is one of the most commonly prescribed intravenous fluids in medicine, yet its name is one of the great misnomers of clinical practice. In this episode, The Clinical Etymologist traces the laboratory origins of 0.9% sodium chloride and explains why it was never designed to replicate human plasma. Through bedside teaching and clinical physiology, we explore how excess chloride alters acid–base balance and renal function. The episode exa...
People in this episode
Host: Dr. Simon Kim
Topics covered
- intravenous fluids
- clinical practice
- acid-base balance
- renal function
- sodium chloride
Keywords
- Normal Saline
- sodium chloride
- intravenous fluids
- acid-base balance
- renal function
Mentioned in this episode
Products: 0.9% Normal Saline, sodium chloride
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