When Pure Water is Consumed

Question

When pure water is consumed,
A) the ECF becomes hypertonic to the ICF.
B) a fluid shift occurs and the volume of the ICF decreases.
C) osmolarities of the two fluid compartments fall.
D) the volume of the ECF decreases.
E) the volume of the ICF decreases.

Accepted Answer

Pure water has an osmolarity of 0 mOsm/L, which is lower than the osmolarity of body fluids. Consumption of pure water leads to dilution of both the ECF and ICF, resulting in a decrease in the osmolarity of both compartments. Therefore, both options A and B are incorrect. The volume of both ECF and ICF may increase temporarily due to water intake, making options D and E incorrect.