Why is oral rehydration therapy with a solution of sodium chloride and glucose an effective treatment for dehydration? a. The sodium and glucose decrease urine output. b. The sodium and glucose facilitate water absorption by the small intestine. c. The sodium and glucose help kill intestinal bacteria. d. The sodium and glucose make the person thirsty.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the question. The question is asking why a solution of sodium chloride and glucose is effective in treating dehydration.
2. Step 2: Recall what dehydration is. Dehydration is a condition that occurs when the loss of body fluids, mostly water, exceeds the amount that is taken in. This can disrupt the balance of minerals in your body, such as sodium and potassium, which can affect how your body functions.
3. Step 3: Recall the role of sodium and glucose in the body. Sodium is a mineral that's essential for life. It's regulated by your kidneys, and it helps control your body's fluid balance. It also helps send nerve impulses and affects muscle function. Glucose is a type of sugar you get from foods you eat, and it's your body's main source of energy.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the options. Option a suggests that sodium and glucose decrease urine output, but this is not their primary function in the body. Option c suggests that sodium and glucose help kill intestinal bacteria, but this is not accurate. Sodium and glucose do not have antibacterial properties. Option d suggests that sodium and glucose make the person thirsty, but this is not their primary function in the body.
5. Step 5: Choose the correct answer. Option b is the correct answer. The sodium and glucose facilitate water absorption by the small intestine. This is because the transport of sodium and glucose through the intestinal wall stimulates the absorption of water, helping to rehydrate the body.