Final answer:
The cells are most likely in a hypotonic solution, meaning there is a higher concentration of water outside the cell and water moves inside the cell by osmosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this scenario, the patient's cells are in need of hydration. The type of solution that the cells are most likely in can be determined by comparing the concentration of solutes inside the cell to the concentration of solutes in the surrounding solution. If the surrounding solution has a lower concentration of solutes than inside the cell, it is considered hypotonic, meaning there is a higher concentration of water outside the cell. This results in water moving into the cell by osmosis, and it helps in hydrating the cells.
Learn more about Hydration of cells