Intravenous solutions can be isotonic to blood cells. Therefore, it is very important to know whether sugar, a nonelectrolyte, or salt (NaCl), an electrolyte, is being given in the solution so the proper amount can be added. What would result if the tonicity of the solution is not isotonic to the blood cells?
It is important that intravenous solutions are isotonic to blood cells. If intravenous solutions are not isotonic to blood cells, it will lead to destruction of blood cells.
In case blood cells are placed in a hypotonic solution, it will lead to swelling and hemolysis of the blood cells.
In case blood cells are placed in a hypertonic solution, it will result in blood cells losing water and becoming crenated or shrivelled up.
Therefore, in order to maintain the optimum functioning of the blood cells the intravenous fluid needs to be isotonic to blood cells.
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