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Why is it important that a pure water IV not be given to dehydrated patients?

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Pure water is never given IV. It could be disastrous. It would be hypotonic. Red blood cells lysis would occur due to the osmotic gradient. A large volume of pure water IV would play havoc with blood osmolarity. That's why 5% dextrose is given if one does not wish to give saline solutions.
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User Jonathan Beaudoin
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