Nurses frequently administer intravenous (IV) fluids to patients. The type of IV fluid chosen—whether it’s isotonic, hypertonic, or hypotonic—depends on the patient's needs, which are influenced by osmotic principles. For example, isotonic solutions are used to increase extracellular fluid without affecting the intracellular fluid, while hypertonic solutions can help reduce intracranial pressure by drawing water out of cells.
