Question

Ringer’s solution is often given intravenously to patients experiencing dehydration. It contains water, 131mMol/L sodium, and 111mMol/L chloride ions. Why wouldn’t distilled water be used? Why doesn’t the solution contain higher amounts of sodium, chloride, and other electrolytes?

Answer 1

Answer:

It is important to maintain the osmolality of the blood (plasma) at an appropriate level to prevent osmosis into and out of cells by keeping the intra- and extracellular fluids isotonic;

Too much water entering a cell can lead to lysis and too much leaving a cell results in shrinkage, both of which are detrimental.