A patient is given hypertonic saline. What is the immediate effect on cell volume?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Cells shrink
Hypertonic saline increases extracellular osmolality, drawing water out of cells. This causes cells to shrink.
Keep practicing
More Thermoregulation and Body Fluids questions
- A patient with diabetes insipidus has decreased ADH activity. Which change best describes their urine?
- A mountaineer exposed to cold develops frostbite. Which mechanism contributes most to tissue damage?
- A patient has dehydration from diarrhea. Which electrolyte abnormality is most likely?
- Which mechanism is the primary means of heat loss during exercise in a hot, dry climate?
- A patient is immersed in cold water and develops nonshivering thermogenesis. Which tissue mediates this response?
- A patient receives 1 liter of D5W (5% dextrose in water). After metabolism of glucose, the fluid distributes primarily into which compartme…