Rutgers Anatomy & Physiology Test Practice

Administering a hypertonic sodium chloride solution intravenously results in a net movement of water from the intracellular compartment to the extracellular fluid compartment. This occurs because hypertonic solutions have a higher concentration of solutes than the fluid inside the cells.

When hypertonic sodium chloride enters the bloodstream, it increases the osmolarity of the extracellular fluid. To balance the solute concentrations, water moves out of the intracellular space (where osmolarity is lower) and into the extracellular space (where osmolarity is higher). This movement of water aims to achieve equilibrium between the inside and outside of the cells, leading to cellular dehydration or shrinkage.

This is significant in clinical situations where fluid management is critical, as administering hypertonic solutions can effectively manage conditions such as hyponatremia by drawing excess water out of cells and into the circulation to correct electrolyte imbalances. Understanding the osmotic principles behind this effect is crucial for proper patient care in various medical scenarios.