medical applications of isotonic solutions

Question 1

What happens when human cells are exposed to hypertonic solutions?

Answer 1

Hypertonic solutions cause human cells to lose water, leading to dehydration and damage.

Question 2

What happens when human cells are exposed to hypotonic solutions?

Answer 2

Hypotonic solutions cause human cells to take in too much water, which can cause them to lyse (burst).

Question 3

What do isotonic solutions do for human cells?

Answer 3

Isotonic solutions keep human cells healthy by maintaining their normal shape and size, with no net movement of water into or out of the cells.

Question 4

What is the typical concentration of normal saline (isotonic solution)?

Answer 4

Normal saline contains 9g of NaCl per cubic decimetre of solution (0.154 mol dm-3).

Question 5

What are some medical uses of isotonic solutions?

Answer 5

Isotonic solutions are used for:

• Intravenous drips to administer fluids to patients.
• Rinsing wounds and skin abrasions.
• Moisturizing damaged skin before skin grafts.
• Eye drops to maintain eye hydration.
• Cooling donor organs (hearts, kidneys) for transplants.