Which of the following is a characteristic of isotonic solutions?

Isotonic solutions are defined by their property of having the same osmotic pressure as bodily fluids, such as blood. This similarity means they contain an equal concentration of dissolved particles, or solutes, as the fluids they are compared to. Maintaining this balance is crucial for ensuring that there is no net movement of water in or out of cells, which helps in preserving cellular integrity and function.

When isotonic solutions are administered, they do not cause cells to swell or shrink, which is especially important in medical settings. This characteristic is why isotonic solutions, like normal saline, are commonly used in intravenous therapies; they help maintain fluid balance without impacting cell volume.

In contrast, solutions with more or fewer dissolved particles than blood can lead to complications such as hemolysis (cell rupture) or crenation (cell shrinkage). Therefore, an ideal characteristic of isotonic solutions is that they have the same concentration of dissolved particles as blood.