Which of the following is a synthetic colloid commonly used to expand plasma volume?

Appeared in: PGICH Noida NO-2025

Explanation

Hetastarch is an artificially manufactured substance, making it a synthetic colloid.
Its primary mechanism is to increase the colloid oncotic pressure within the blood vessels.
This pressure holds fluid within the vascular space and draws fluid from the surrounding tissues, effectively expanding the plasma volume.
It is used to treat hypovolemia (low blood volume) resulting from conditions like shock, burns, or severe trauma.

Option A: Albumin is a colloid, but it is a natural protein derived from human plasma, not a synthetic product.
Option C: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic, not a colloid. Its purpose is to remove fluid from the body by increasing urination, which is the opposite of expanding plasma volume.
Option D: Normal saline is a crystalloid solution, not a colloid. Its small molecules quickly diffuse out of the vascular space, making it less effective for sustained plasma volume expansion compared to colloids.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification and use of intravenous fluids, specifically synthetic colloids as plasma expanders as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must understand the difference between crystalloids and colloids to administer the correct fluid for a patient's condition, such as hypovolemic shock versus dehydration.
When administering synthetic colloids like Hetastarch, nurses must monitor for adverse effects, including allergic reactions, impaired blood coagulation (leading to bleeding), and potential kidney injury. Its use is now restricted in many clinical settings due to these risks.
Accurate intake and output monitoring, along with assessing for signs of fluid overload (e.g., pulmonary edema, hypertension), is a critical nursing responsibility during any IV fluid resuscitation.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'synthetic' and 'colloid'.
Analyze each option based on these two keywords.
Option A, Albumin: Is it a colloid? Yes. Is it synthetic? No, it's natural. So, it's incorrect.
Option B, Hetastarch: Is it a colloid? Yes. Is it synthetic? Yes. This matches both keywords.
Option C, Mannitol: Is it a colloid? No, it's an osmotic diuretic. So, it's incorrect.
Option D, Normal saline: Is it a colloid? No, it's a crystalloid. So, it's incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Classification and use of intravenous fluids, specifically synthetic colloids as plasma expanders.
Stem keywords: synthetic colloid, expand plasma volume
Lead-in keywords: Which of the following

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E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 2 p. 307-309

E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 2 pp. 163-165, 162-164

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