Hypertonic Saline --- Blue Light Special

Doctors are ordering hypertonic saline for nearly every patient in the hospital these days, regardless of whether it’s actually needed. Most of the time, it feels like we’re just wasting our time.

“Step right up, folks! Come one, come all! If you’re admitted to our hospital today, you’ll be eligible for our blue light special: hypertonic saline!”

Don’t listen to those grumbling RTs complaining that it’s a pointless therapy. What do they know?

You might overhear a conversation like this:

"Are you having trouble coughing stuff up?" the RT asks the patient.

"No, I’ve been coughing stuff up all day," the patient replies confidently.

The RT raises an eyebrow, thinking, If that’s true, then why on earth did the doctor order hypertonic saline?

Ah, but the doctors know best. Hypertonic saline, our blue light special, is practically a miracle treatment. It works almost as well as Albuterol to scrub every bit of mucus—or anything else—right out of your lungs! COPD? Fixed. Asthma? Gone. Pneumonia? Cured. Even a microscopic virus doesn’t stand a chance. A little salt water solves it all!

"But," the RT protests, "this patient isn’t even short of breath."

No matter! Hypertonic saline for everyone!