NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

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What is the characteristic of crystalloid fluids?

  1. Remain primarily in the intravascular space

  2. Most volume does not remain in intravascular space

  3. Only used in cardiac patients

  4. Contain high molecular weight particles

The correct answer is: Most volume does not remain in intravascular space

Crystalloid fluids are solutions that contain small molecules that are able to pass through semipermeable membranes. One of the characteristics of crystalloid fluids is that most of the volume administered does not remain in the intravascular space. Instead, crystalloids distribute into both the intravascular and interstitial spaces throughout the body. This property allows crystalloid fluids to be effective in maintaining intravascular volume and treating conditions such as dehydration and hypovolemia. Option A is incorrect because crystalloid fluids do not remain primarily in the intravascular space. Option C is incorrect because crystalloid fluids are not exclusively used in cardiac patients; they are commonly used in various clinical scenarios beyond cardiac conditions. Option D is incorrect because crystalloid fluids contain small molecules and do not contain high molecular weight particles.