Chapter 5, Problem 33RQ

a.

Summary Introduction

To determine: The effect of administering 1 L of half-normal saline on a patient’s total body fluid volume.

Introduction: Body fluids in the human body are distributed in different compartments of the body. Movement of water from one part to another takes place based on the concentration gradient of solute in each of these body fluid compartments.

b.

Summary Introduction

To determine: The effect of administering 1 L of half-normal saline on a patient’s total body osmolarity.

Introduction: Normal saline contains 0.9% w/v NaCl. This concentration makes it somewhat similar to body fluids. It makes it suitable to be used as a common medication fluid. On the other hand, half-normal saline, as its name suggests, contains a half concentration of salt as compared to normal saline.

c.

Summary Introduction

To determine: The effect of administering 1 L of half-normal saline on a patient’s ECF and ICF volumes.

Introduction: Volume of different body fluids is altered in the addition of solutions from outside the body. These added solutions can have different concentration of solutes. Normal saline is a commonly used fluid for medication purpose.

d.

Summary Introduction

To determine: The effect of administering 1 L of half-normal saline on a patient’s ECF and ICF osmolarities.

Introduction: Addition of salts or solvents from outside changes the levels of fluid as well as solutes in the body in a different manner. An increase in the amount of salt or any other solute in the body decreases the osmolarity of the body; whereas, an increase in the fluid level inside the body decreases the osmolarity in the body.