Final answer:
The claim that a crystalloid substance seeps out of the vascular space in 20 minutes is false, as crystalloid movement is not time-bound and depends on several factors. The lymphatic system absorbs a significant amount of fluid daily and albumin, a plasma protein, helps retain fluid within the vasculature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a crystalloid substance will seep out of the vascular space in approximately 20 minutes is false. Crystalloid solutions are typically made of small molecules that are easily diffusible through capillary walls. They can move out of the vascular space, but this process is not confined to a precise 20-minute time frame and depends on various factors including the patient's vascular permeability and the tonicity of the solution.
When it comes to the overall fluid balance, the lymphatic system plays a significant role by absorbing about 20.4 liters of fluid in one day. This process helps maintain the fluid equilibrium within the tissue spaces and the vascular system. On the topic of plasma proteins, they generally do not leave the bloodstream through simple or facilitated diffusion due to their size; these proteins, particularly albumin, maintain the blood's colloid osmotic pressure and support fluid retention within the vasculature.