Which of the following is a hypertonic solution example?

A hypertonic solution is defined as a solution that has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the fluid inside a cell. When a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cell, resulting in cell shrinkage.

In this context, 3% Normal Saline (NS) is considered a hypertonic solution because it has a higher concentration of sodium chloride compared to the typical saline solution (0.9% NS), which is isotonic. The increased sodium chloride concentration in 3% NS creates a situation where it draws water out of cells when administered, increasing the osmotic pressure in the extracellular fluid.

Other solutions listed, such as 0.9% NS and 1/2 NS (which refers to 0.45% saline), are either isotonic or hypotonic in relation to human cells. D5W (5% dextrose in water) is also isotonic when in the initial state but can act hypotonically once the dextrose is metabolized, leading to a dilution of solutes in the blood.

Thus, 3% NS is correctly identified as a hypertonic solution due to its capacity to cause cellular shrinkage through osmotic pressure effects