Which of the following statements concerning hypotonicity is correct?
A) during hypotonicity, water enters the cells by osmosis.
B) the only cause of hypotonicity is drinking excess fluid.
C) hypotonicity is a major consequence of diabetes mellitus, which is a deficiency of vasopressin.
D) hypotonicity is usually associated with a negative water balance.
E) common symptoms of hypotonicity include dry skin and sunken eyeballs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hypotonicity refers to a condition where the concentration of solutes outside the cells is lower than the concentration inside the cells. In such a situation, water moves into the cells by osmosis, causing them to swell or burst. Therefore, option A is the correct statement. Option B is incorrect because hypotonicity can also result from other causes, such as excess sweating or use of certain medications. Option C is incorrect because diabetes mellitus is associated with hyperosmolarity due to dehydration, not hypotonicity. Option D is incorrect because hypotonicity is associated with a positive water balance, i.e., excess water intake or inadequate excretion. Option E is incorrect because common symptoms of hypotonicity include headache, nausea, vomiting, and confusion, not dry skin and sunken eyeballs.

Which of the Following Statements Concerning Hypotonicity Is Correct