Final answer:
An unconscious individual suffering from dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance is typically given an isotonic intravenous solution such as normal saline or lactated Ringer's solution to restore fluid balance without causing harm to red blood cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Correct Intravenous Solution for Dehydration
When an individual is found unconscious from dehydration and lacking electrolytes, medical professionals typically administer an intravenous (IV) solution to restore the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance. In such cases, the appropriate IV solution is isotonic, meaning it has the same concentration of solutes as blood. This is essential to maintain the correct osmotic balance, preventing the risk of cells either swelling or shrinking.
If a patient is given a solution that is not isotonic, such as hypotonic or hypertonic, it could lead to the destruction of red blood cells. A hypotonic solution would cause the cells to swell and potentially burst, due to water moving into the cells to equalize osmotic pressure. Conversely, a hypertonic solution would draw water out of the cells, causing them to shrink and possibly dehydrate further. Consequently, if an autopsy reveals destruction of red blood cells, it suggests that the solution given was hypotonic, not isotonic as initially believed.
In the situation described, the types of intravenous solutions typically used are normal saline and lactated Ringer's solution, both of which are isotonic. This is crucial to avoid the complications mentioned above and to safely replenish the patient's blood volume and electrolytes, promoting a return to homeostatic levels without causing additional stress to the body's cells.