What effect does a hypotonic solution have on red blood cells?

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of red blood cells. When red blood cells are placed in a hypotonic solution, water moves into the cells via osmosis, which occurs due to the gradient created by the difference in solute concentration. As water enters the cells, the volume of the cells increases, leading to swelling.

While the cells can swell significantly, they typically do not burst immediately under normal physiological conditions. The cell membrane can withstand a certain amount of pressure, but if the hypotonic environment is extreme or exposure time is prolonged, then bursting may occur.

In general, the main effect of hypotonic solutions on red blood cells is swelling, which is the key reason why this response is aligned with the correct answer. This phenomenon is important in various medical scenarios, particularly in IV therapy, where understanding the impact of fluid and electrolyte balance is crucial for patient care.