Final answer:
A dehydrated human patient is typically given an isotonic saline solution intravenously, which helps maintain osmotic balance and replenish fluids and electrolytes. Such treatment is key in emergencies where blood transfusions are not immediately possible.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a dehydrated human patient requires intravenous fluids, isotonic saline is commonly administered. This solution includes saline at a concentration that is isotonic with respect to body fluids, effectively providing both fluids and electrolytes in proportions similar to those found in normal blood plasma.
Using an isotonic solution is crucial because it ensures that the osmotic balance across cell membranes is maintained, avoiding further cellular damage or disturbances in the body's fluid compartments. Substituting blood volume lost in emergencies, such as acute hemorrhage, may be accomplished with intravenous saline solutions in situations where blood transfusions are not immediately available. In the treatment of dehydration, it's also essential to monitor for signs of electrolyte imbalance, as the correction of dehydration involves not only fluid replacement but also the adequate management of electrolytes, particularly sodium and bicarbonate.