A client is prescribed 3% sodium chloride, which is a hypertonic solut

A client is prescribed 3% sodium chloride, which is a hypertonic solution. The nurse recognizes the primary goal of such intravenous therapy is to:

1. Expand the volume of fluid in the vascular system
2. Pull fluid from the cells
3. Keep protein levels normal
4. Move fluid into the cells

ANSWER

ANS: 2
A hypertonic solution (a solution of higher osmotic pressure), such as 3% sodium chloride, pulls fluid from cells, causing them to shrink. The remaining options describe the function of other types of fluids.