Solutions that have a higher osmolarity than body fluids are referred to as?

Solutions that have a higher osmolarity than body fluids are referred to as hypertonic. In a hypertonic solution, the concentration of solutes is greater than that of the fluid within the cells or the surrounding environment. This hyperosmolarity causes water to move out of the cells in an attempt to balance the solute concentrations across the semipermeable membrane, leading to cell shrinkage or dehydration.

Understanding the significance of hypertonic solutions is crucial in medical contexts, particularly in situations involving intravenous fluid administration. For example, hypertonic saline may be used to treat hyponatremia, as it helps to draw fluid out of cells and into the vascular space to increase plasma sodium levels.

Comparatively, hypotonic solutions have a lower osmolarity than body fluids, leading to an influx of water into the cells, which can potentially cause them to swell and rupture. Isotonic solutions have the same osmolarity as body fluids, maintaining cell size and stability without causing net movement of water in or out of the cells. The term hypo-osmole is not a standard term used in this context, making hypertonic the only accurate choice for describing solutions with higher osmolarity than body fluids.