(Solved) Why is it potentially harmful to give a patient intravenous fluid that is pure w

Body fluids (extracellular – ECF and intracellular fluids – ICF) are not comprised of pure water, they are a mixture of water and solutes. The addition of water without solutes causes an imbalance in the body between the amount of water compared to solute, which dilutes the body fluids. More specifically, the plasma membrane plays a major role in sensitivity in that it is the first part of the cell to be affected by changes in ECF. It contains a variety of receptors that allow the cell to recognize and respond to specific molecules in its environment and to communicate with other cells. Any alteration in the plasma membrane, such as exposing it to only pure water, may affect all cellular activities. Its functional role in physical isolation of the cell from the surrounding ECF is important because the composition of the cytoplasm is very different from that of the ECF, and that difference must be maintained for survival. The ultimate outcome will result in the lysing (bursting) of red blood cells. As a result, the kidneys may become overwhelmed while attempting to rid the bloodstream of the products of this destruction.

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Why is it potentially harmful to give a patient intravenous fluid that is pure w

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