Question

Normal saline, which is 0.9% NaCl, is isotonic with body cells and fluids, and can be safely used intravenously. What would happen to blood cells if 5% NaCl solution was used intravenously instead of normal saline? a) Blood cells would shrink due to dehydration b) Blood cells would swell and may burst c) Blood cells would remain unchanged d) Blood cells would become more active.

Answer 1

If a 5% NaCl solution is used intravenously instead of normal saline, the Blood cells would swell and may burst. Hence option B is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

Using a 5% NaCl (sodium chloride) solution intravenously instead of normal saline (0.9% NaCl) would create a hypertonic environment. In a hypertonic solution, there is a higher concentration of solutes outside the cells than inside, leading to water movement out of the cells. This can cause the blood cells to swell and potentially burst (hemolysis) due to the influx of water.

Option b reflects the expected outcome when blood cells are exposed to a hypertonic solution. It's important to use isotonic solutions like normal saline for intravenous administration to maintain the osmotic balance and prevent adverse effects on blood cells.