Question

Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) is an _______ solution, so it does not pull electrolytes from the body or shift fluids in or out of the colon. Using this solution reduces the risk of electrolyte imbalance and fluid volume excess/deficit. Because infants and children are at risk for fluid and electrolyte imbalances, they should only receive normal saline enemas.

Answer 1

Normal saline is an isotonic solution, preventing electrolyte and fluid imbalance when used as an enema or IV therapy, and is especially critical for infants and children. It mirrors the body's physiological saline concentration, maintaining sodium balance outside the cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) is an isotonic solution, which means it has the same concentration of solutes as the blood and other bodily fluids. This isotonic property prevents the movement of electrolytes and fluids in or out of the colon, reducing the risk of electrolyte imbalance and fluid volume excess or deficit. Isotonic solutions like normal saline are essential for patients, including infants and children, who are more susceptible to fluid and electrolyte imbalances and thus require careful management when receiving enemas or intravenous therapy.

Moreover, the normal saline IV solution, crucial for correcting dehydration, contains 0.9% m/v NaCl, mirroring the physiological saline concentration in the body, which is approximately 0.16 M. Such compatibility is important to maintain cellular integrity and function since sodium is the principal ion in the fluid outside of cells.