Multiple Choice
Which of the following is NOT required for osmosis to occur?
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14. Solutions
Osmosis
Multiple Choice
Which intravenous (IV) fluid is a hypertonic solution relative to blood plasma?
A
Lactated Ringer’s solution
B
dextrose in water (D5W)
C
NaCl (normal saline)
D
NaCl (3% saline)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of tonicity: Tonicity refers to the ability of a solution to cause water movement across a semipermeable membrane due to differences in solute concentration. A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration than the reference solution (in this case, blood plasma), causing water to move out of cells.
Identify the typical solute concentration of blood plasma: Blood plasma is approximately isotonic with a solute concentration around 0.9% NaCl (normal saline), which is about 300 mOsm/L in osmolarity.
Compare each IV fluid's solute concentration to blood plasma:
- Lactated Ringer’s solution has a solute concentration close to isotonic.
- 5% dextrose in water (D5W) is initially isotonic but becomes hypotonic as dextrose is metabolized.
- 0.9% NaCl (normal saline) is isotonic.
- 3% NaCl (3% saline) has a much higher solute concentration than plasma, making it hypertonic.
Conclude that the IV fluid with a solute concentration greater than 0.9% NaCl is hypertonic relative to blood plasma, which is 3% NaCl in this case.
Remember that hypertonic solutions are used clinically to draw water out of cells and into the bloodstream, often to reduce cerebral edema or treat hyponatremia.
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