What does a hypertonic solution do to patient fluid levels?

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the fluid inside the cells and interstitial spaces. When a hypertonic solution is administered, it creates an osmotic gradient that draws water out of the cells and interstitial space into the intravascular space. This process effectively increases the volume of fluid in the bloodstream.

This mechanism is particularly useful in clinical scenarios where there is a need for volume expansion in the blood vessels, such as in cases of hyponatremia or when treating certain types of edema. By pulling fluid into the intravascular space, hypertonic solutions can help improve blood pressure and circulation, especially when a patient is experiencing fluid volume deficit.

In contrast, options that refer to pulling fluid into the tissues or hydrating the cells do not accurately describe the actions of hypertonic solutions. These actions would typically be associated with hypotonic solutions, which would cause cells to swell as fluid moves into them. Fluid overload is not necessarily a direct effect of hypertonic solutions, as their primary role is to draw fluid into circulation rather than overload the body's total fluid levels.