What type of solution has greater osmolarity than blood?

Study for the Walgreens Pharmacy Technician PTCB Exam. Test your knowledge with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Prepare effectively for your certification!

A solution that has greater osmolarity than blood is classified as hypertonic. When a hypertonic solution is introduced to the body, it contains a higher concentration of solutes compared to the fluid within the blood cells. This can cause water to move out of the cells into the surrounding fluid in an attempt to balance the solute concentrations, resulting in cell shrinkage.

Understanding osmolarity is crucial, as it determines the movement of water across cell membranes through osmosis. Hypertonic solutions can have significant effects on cells and are often used therapeutically to manage conditions like swelling or to draw fluid into the vascular system.

Isotonic solutions, in contrast, have the same osmolarity as blood, meaning there is no net movement of water in or out of the cells. Hypotonic solutions have lower osmolarity than blood and would lead to water flowing into cells, potentially causing them to swell and even lyse. Pyrogenic refers to substances that can induce fever, which is not related to osmolarity.

Therefore, hypertonic solutions are correctly identified as having a greater osmolarity than blood.

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