Which of the following is an example of a hypertonic IV fluid?

Hypertonic IV fluids are those that have a higher concentration of solutes compared to the fluid found in the human body, which leads to an increase in osmotic pressure. This causes water to move out of cells and into the circulation, potentially benefiting particular clinical situations such as treating hyponatremia or reducing cerebral edema.

3% saline is a prime example of a hypertonic solution because it contains a significantly higher concentration of sodium chloride than normal plasma. This elevated concentration draws water out of the cells, helping to correct certain electrolyte imbalances or reduce swelling in specific medical situations. Administering hypertonic fluids like 3% saline must be done carefully in a clinical setting to monitor for potential complications such as fluid overload or cellular dehydration.

In contrast, normal saline (0.9% NaCl) is considered isotonic, which means it has a similar concentration of solutes as plasma, thus maintaining equilibrium in terms of osmosis. Half normal saline (0.45% NaCl) is hypotonic, as it has a lower concentration of solutes compared to body fluids, promoting fluid movement into cells. D5W, or Dextrose 5% in water, is also considered isotonic when entering the system,