Fundamentals of Critical Care Nursing Level 1 Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Test Prep

Question: 1 / 400

What happens to cells when hypertonic fluid is administered?

Cells swell and enlarge

Cells remain unchanged

Cells shrink and lose fluid

When hypertonic fluid is administered, it has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the fluid inside the cells. As a result, when cells are exposed to this hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cells in an attempt to balance the concentration gradient between the inside and outside of the cells. This movement of water results in the cells losing fluid, subsequently causing them to shrink in volume.

This osmotic process occurs because the body aims to achieve equilibrium, where the concentration of solutes on both sides of the cell membrane becomes equal. Therefore, when hypertonic fluids are given, the predominant effect is dehydration of the cells, leading to their shrinkage. Understanding this concept is crucial in critical care settings, particularly when managing fluid and electrolyte imbalances.

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Cells burst due to excess fluid

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