Question

What is the reason that dehydrated patients are given intravenous solution of pure water with a small amount of dissolved salt rather than just pure water?

Answer 1

The fluid inside and outside cells is not pure water; it contains dissolved substances such as salts and sugars. To prevent cells from shriveling or swelling because of osmosis, it is best to give a patient an intravenous solution with a concentration of dissolved substances that is close to the concentration of dissolved substances in the body's fluids.