What happens when hypertonic fluids are administered?

When hypertonic fluids are administered, the concentration of solutes outside the cells is greater than the concentration inside the cells. Because of this difference in concentration, water moves out of the cells to balance the solute levels between the inside and outside environments. This process, known as osmosis, can lead to cell shrinkage as the cells lose water.

Hypertonic solutions are often used in clinical scenarios to manage specific conditions, such as cerebral edema, where drawing fluid out of cells can reduce swelling. Therefore, the choice that states water moves out of the cells, potentially leading to cell shrinkage, accurately describes the physiological response to hypertonic fluid administration.