The health caregiver is explaining the rationale for administering a hypotonic intravenous solution (lower concentration of solutes in its surroundings) to a client. Which mechanism of membrane transport most likely underlies this action?

D) Osmosis

Explanation:

The complete question is as follows:

The health caregiver is explaining the rationale for administering a hypotonic intravenous solution (lower concentration of solutes in its surroundings) to a client. Which of the following mechanisms of membrane transport most likely underlies this action?

A) Facilitated diffusion

B) Active transport

C) Diffusion

D) Osmosis

The process by which the solvent present in the solution move from an area of less concentrated solution to a more concentrated solution across a semipermeable membrane is termed as osmosis. The choice of intravenous fluids used in health care relies on the fact the cells present in the body are not permeable to all the solute particles but are permeable to water and thus, it becomes important to consider the amount of solute relative to the water content. During the process of osmosis the water moves through the semipermeable membrane from an area of higher water concentration to lower concentration and this process of osmosis is the mechanism which is considered by the health caregiver in administering a hypotonic intravenous solution to a client.