True or False: An IV tube attached to someone in a hospital would contain 0.9% saline in it.

Answer

The correct answer is True. A 0.9% sodium chloride solution (saline) is considered an isotonic solution because its osmolarity matches that of human blood and intracellular fluids. Maintaining an isotonic environment is crucial for red blood cells. If a patient were given a hypotonic solution (lower salt concentration), water would rush into the cells via osmosis, causing them to swell and potentially burst (hemolysis). Conversely, if a hypertonic solution (higher salt concentration) were used, water would exit the cells, causing them to shrivel or crenate. Therefore, 0.9% saline is standard for IV fluids to ensure fluid balance without damaging cells.