Which statement correctly describes hypertonic IV fluid?

Which statement correctly describes hypertonic IV fluid?

• A. Higher tonicity than normal blood, e.g., 3% NaCl.
• B. Lower tonicity than normal blood, e.g., 0.45% NaCl.
• C. Equal tonicity to normal blood.
• D. Contains no electrolytes.

Answer: (A)

Hypertonic IV fluids have higher tonicity (osmolality) than plasma. When such a solution is given, water moves out of cells into the intravascular space, expanding circulating volume. A classic example is 3% NaCl, which is more concentrated than normal blood. That’s why describing hypertonic fluid as having higher tonicity than normal blood is the correct statement. The other options describe hypotonic or isotonic conditions (lower or equal tonicity, affecting cell water movement) or claim a lack of electrolytes, which isn’t how hypertonic saline is defined; in fact, hypertonic saline contains electrolytes like sodium and chloride.

Hypertonic IV fluids have higher tonicity (osmolality) than plasma. When such a solution is given, water moves out of cells into the intravascular space, expanding circulating volume. A classic example is 3% NaCl, which is more concentrated than normal blood. That’s why describing hypertonic fluid as having higher tonicity than normal blood is the correct statement. The other options describe hypotonic or isotonic conditions (lower or equal tonicity, affecting cell water movement) or claim a lack of electrolytes, which isn’t how hypertonic saline is defined; in fact, hypertonic saline contains electrolytes like sodium and chloride.