What fluid can be used to bath tissues during surgery to prevent them from drying out?

Using saline (0.9% sodium chloride) to bathe tissues during surgery is an effective practice to prevent desiccation (drying out) of tissues. Saline is isotonic, meaning it has a similar osmotic pressure to body fluids, which helps maintain hydration without causing cellular damage. This characteristic makes it suitable for maintaining a moist environment around delicate tissues during surgical procedures, allowing for optimal healing conditions.

In contrast, other fluids listed may not provide the same benefits. For example, while 5% dextrose is also an isotonic solution, its sugar content can promote bacterial growth and is typically not used for this purpose. Lactated Ringer's solution, while also a commonly used fluid in surgical settings, contains electrolytes and is often utilized for rehydration and electrolyte balance rather than for directly bathing tissues. Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic and can be damaging to tissues, as it may cause irritation or toxicity, making it unsuitable for use in this context. Therefore, saline stands out as the most appropriate choice for this use during surgery.