Hypotonic/Isotonic/ Hypertonic: The basics The cell is divided into two parts: Intracellular and extracellular. Each part of the cell is comprised of a solution. These solutions can move into and out of the cell depending on the tonicity of the fluids. Molecules in the cell, such as electrolytes, move from areas of lower concentration to areas of higher concentration⇒ Osmosis. The cell loves to be in an isotonic state. Isotonic⇒ The concentrations of fluids in the cell are the same. Isotonic solutions are used to increase the cells extracellular volume due to volume losses such as: Hemorrhage Surgery Vomiting Diarrhea Hypotonic ⇒ Fluid goes into the cell and starts to swell. Hypotonic solution is used when the cell is dehydrated (ex.⇒ DKA, HHS) Using hypotonic solution replaces fluids intracellularly Basically, you are trying to put fluid from outside the cell into the cell to rehydrate it. ***REMEMBER*** DO NOT GIV...
This blog was created to compile resources I found useful during my time in Nursing School.