The health caregiver is explaining the rationale for administering a hypotonic intravenous solution (lower concentration of solutes in its surroundings) to a client. Which of the following mechanisms of membrane transport most likely underlies this action?
A) Facilitated diffusion
B) Active transport
C) Diffusion
D) Osmosis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that body cells are permeable to water but not all solute particles, and the amount of solute relative to water content, underlies the choice of intravenous fluid, in health care. Water moves through water channels in a semipermeable membrane along a concentration gradient, moving from an area of higher to an area of lower concentration. This is the essence of osmosis, and the other mechanisms of membrane transport do not have as significant a bearing on the nurse's action.

The Health Caregiver Is Explaining the Rationale for Administering a Hypotonic