What happens if a large volume of hypotonic solution is administered intravenously? What about if it is a hypertonic solution?

Answer 1

To understand the effects of hypo and hypertonic solutions, you should review the process of osmosis.

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of electrolytes than the plasma, so when a hypotonic solution is administered intravenously, fluid will come out of the bloodstream and into to the area of higher concentration of electrolytes in the intracellular spaces.

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of electrolytes than the plasma, so when a hypertonic solution is administered intravenously, fluid will move from the intracellular space into the bloodstream in order to dilute the higher concentration of electrolytes.