An IV infusion of mannitol (a sugar solution) is used to decrease intracranial pressure in a head-injured patient because the mannitol
A)provides calories for the healing of the injured brain.
B)is absorbed by the injured brain cells and pulls water into the brain cells from the tissue fluid.
C)pulls water out of the interstitium of the brain into the capillaries,thereby relieving edema.
D)"clumps" the plasma proteins together,thereby severely diminishing plasma oncotic pressure.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that is not metabolized by the body and is excreted in the urine. It works by pulling water out of the interstitium of the brain into the capillaries, thereby relieving edema and decreasing intracranial pressure. Mannitol does not provide calories, absorb into injured brain cells, or affect plasma proteins.

An IV Infusion of Mannitol (A Sugar Solution) Is Used