Lactated Ringers solution does not affect the fluid balance of surrounding cells and tissues; therefore, it is classified as an

A. hypertonic: Hypertonic solutions have a higher solute concentration than plasma, pulling water out of cells and shrinking them. Lactated Ringer’s does not draw water from cells, so it is not classified as hypertonic. B. therapeutic: "Therapeutic" refers to the intended treatment effect of a medication or fluid but is not a classification related to the osmolarity or fluid balance behavior of a solution. C. isotonic: Lactated Ringer's has a similar osmolarity to plasma, meaning it does not cause water to move into or out of cells. Because it maintains fluid balance across cell membranes, it is accurately classified as an isotonic solution. D. hypotonic: Hypotonic solutions have a lower solute concentration than body fluids, causing water to move into cells and potentially leading to cellular swelling. Lactated Ringer's does not cause this shift and therefore is not hypotonic.