Which statement about physiologic saline is FALSE?

Physiologic saline, often referred to as normal saline or isotonic saline, is a solution that contains 0.9% sodium chloride in water. It is commonly used in medical settings for a variety of purposes, including fluid replacement, hydration, and to correct sodium deficiencies in patients.

The statement regarding its use during surgery suggests that physiologic saline should not be used for bathing tissues. However, it is actually utilized in surgical settings to maintain tissue hydration and to irrigate wounds or surgical sites. Its isotonic nature makes it suitable for such applications, as it does not disrupt cellular integrity or cause osmotic imbalances.

In contrast, the other statements accurately reflect the properties and uses of physiologic saline. It is indeed referred to as normal saline, and it is considered isotonic because it has an osmolarity similar to that of bodily fluids. Additionally, one of its primary functions is to help correct sodium deficiencies, which can occur in various medical conditions.

Understanding these characteristics helps to clarify the appropriate clinical contexts in which physiologic saline is used and illustrates why the assertion about its use in surgery is incorrect.