An IV Infusion of Mannitol (A Sugar Solution) Is Used

question 16

Multiple Choice

An IV infusion of mannitol (a sugar solution) is used to decrease intracranial pressure in a head-injured patient because the mannitol

• A)provides calories for the healing of the injured brain.
• B)is absorbed by the injured brain cells and pulls water into the brain cells from the tissue fluid.
• C)pulls water out of the interstitium of the brain into the capillaries,thereby relieving edema.
• D)"clumps" the plasma proteins together,thereby severely diminishing plasma oncotic pressure.

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Definitions:

Vertebral Posterior Arch

The posterior portion of the vertebral bone that, together with the vertebral body, encloses the spinal canal.

Nerve Impulses

Electrical signals that travel along nerve cells and are used for communication throughout the body.

Sensation

The process of receiving and interpreting information from the environment through sensory receptors.

Motor Neurons

Nerve cells forming part of a pathway along which impulses pass from the brain or spinal cord to a muscle or gland.