Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

What type of fluid is often prescribed for a patient with a significant electrolyte imbalance?

1. Isotonic solution

2. Hypotonic solution

3. Hypertonic solution

4. Colloid solution

The correct answer is: Colloid solution

In the case of electrolyte imbalances, a colloid solution is often used because it contains larger molecules that help to expand plasma volume and improve the intravascular volume. Colloids can provide both hydration and a means to restore protein levels, which is critical for maintaining osmotic pressure in the blood. These solutions are particularly beneficial in situations where a patient experiences significant loss of volume and proteins, which can occur during conditions such as severe burns, major surgeries, or other medical emergencies. By providing such solutions, clinicians can effectively manage and stabilize the electrolyte levels in the patient's system, ensuring better respiratory, circulatory, and overall physiological function. In contrast, isotonic solutions are typically used for general hydration and to replace fluid losses, hypotonic solutions are utilized to shift fluids into cells, and hypertonic solutions can cause cells to shrink by pulling fluid outwards. Each of these has its own specific clinical uses but may not address the underlying issues related to significant electrolyte imbalances as effectively as colloid solutions do.