What type of solution would be considered hypertonic?

A hypertonic solution is defined as one that has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the fluid inside cells. When a hypertonic solution is administered, it causes water to move out of the cells and into the extracellular fluid, leading to cellular shrinkage.

In this context, 10% dextrose is considered a hypertonic solution because it has a significantly higher concentration of dextrose (glucose) compared to normal blood plasma levels, which typically contain around 5% dextrose in terms of osmolality. The presence of a higher solute concentration results in an osmotic gradient that draws water out of the cells, effectively making the solution hypertonic.

In contrast, 5% dextrose is isotonic when infused, and normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) is also isotonic relative to plasma. The 0.45% saline provided is hypotonic, meaning it has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the cell's interior and would lead to water entering the cells, potentially causing them to swell or even burst. Thus, the classification of 10% dextrose as hypertonic aligns with the definition based on its solute concentration compared to physiological conditions.