A woman running a marathon collapses at the finish line and is rushed to the hospital. The physicians determine that she has lost a large amount of water and salts from excessive sweating. The appropriate course of action for the physicians would be to determine the woman's intracellular fluid levels so that they can provide a fluid replacement therapy that will

Question

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The physicians would need to determine the woman's intracellular fluid levels in order to provide a fluid replacement therapy that will regain isotonic conditions of salt and water. Isotonic fluid replacement is necessary to restore the proper balance of electrolytes and water in the body's cells and tissues. Hypertonic and hypotonic solutions could cause further imbalances and potentially harm the patient. Providing a measure of metabolic heat production would not address the immediate concern of fluid and electrolyte loss.

A Woman Running a Marathon Collapses at the Finish Line