Question

Physiological saline is .9%NaCl. If you begin an intravenous solution that is .45%NaCl on a patient that is dehydrated, what will be the response of the body cells exposed to this intravenous solution?

Answer 1

Using half normal saline or hypotonic solution is appropriate in patients who are dehydrated. Hypotonic solutions have less osmotic pressure making it absorbable attracting more water thus it makes intracellular volume of cells increased, which leads to patient's safe hydration.