Final answer:
A hypertonic solution, when used carefully, can aid in handling cases of fluid overload by pulling excess fluid into vascular space. Its higher solute concentration compels the water to flow out from cells by osmosis, but needs careful monitoring to avoid adverse effects like dehydration.
Step-by-step explanation:
A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes than inside a cell. When a cell is immersed in this type of solution, osmosis causes water to flow out of the cell, in an attempt to equalize the concentration of solutes. In a medical context, used carefully, this can be effective in cases of fluid overload as the hypertonic solution pulls fluid into the vascular space, reducing the amount of fluid in the rest of the body.
It can be very useful in patients who are at risk of fluid overload— a condition which might stress the heart and other organs. However, care must be taken to ensure that the use of a hypertonic solution does not lead to dehydration or other negative effects due to too much fluid being pulled into the vascular system.
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