NS is commonly used to refer to which fluid in medical practice?

Normal Saline is a sterile solution of sodium chloride in water, typically used in medical settings for various purposes. It plays a crucial role in intravenous therapy, as it is used for fluid resuscitation, to maintain hydration, and as a vehicle for medication administration. It has a concentration of 0.9% sodium chloride, which is isotonic with human blood, making it safe for infusion.

In many medical protocols, it is the go-to choice for replacing lost fluids and electrolytes, particularly in conditions like dehydration or shock. It can also be used to flush intravenous lines to maintain patency. Given its widespread use and importance in both emergency and routine medical care, "Normal Saline" is the common reference anchored in standard medical practice, making it the correct answer in this context.