Final answer:
Doctors must inject isotonic solutions to prevent damage to red blood cells caused by osmotic imbalances. If autopsy shows RBC destruction, the injected solution may not have been isotonic. Isotonic saline is used in emergencies to replace lost blood volume when immediate transfusions are unavailable.
Step-by-step explanation:
Importance of Isotonic Solutions in Medical Treatments
When doctors are injecting solutions, they must ensure that the concentration of the injected solution is comparable to that of blood plasma to avoid causing harm to the patient's red blood cells (RBCs). Solutions that have a significantly higher or lower solute concentration compared to plasma can lead to hemolysis or crenation of RBCs, respectively. This is why solutions such as normal saline and lactated Ringer's solution are formulated to be isotonic—having the same osmolarity as blood plasma. Tonicity is a measure of the effective osmotic pressure gradient; isotonic solutions have the same effective osmotic pressure as body fluids. An isotonic solution would not cause the RBCs to shrink or swell and is essential to maintain the integrity of the cells.
If a patient's autopsy reveals many destroyed red blood cells after an injection, it suggests that the solution used may not have been truly isotonic. This is because isotonic solutions should not cause such destruction of RBCs. Solutions that are not isotonic could create osmotic imbalances, leading to excessive water entering or leaving the RBCs, thus causing their destruction.
In emergency situations, such as accidents or natural disasters, medical professionals may use isotonic saline solutions to manage acute hemorrhage when blood transfusions are not immediately available. These saline solutions help replace lost blood volume and maintain the proper concentration of fluids and electrolytes. Moreover, research into artificial blood aims to replicate the oxygen-carrying function of blood without the need for RBCs, thus allowing for immediate transfusion without compatibility concerns. These substitutes typically contain hemoglobin or perfluorocarbon-based oxygen carriers.
Overall, the proper formulation of intravenous solutions with respect to tonicity is critical for patient safety and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis.