In a child with prolonged diarrhea, which electrolyte losses are most important to replace in this pediatric scenario?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Sodium and chloride (and water)
Vomiting/diarrhea cause losses of sodium and chloride (and water), so ORS aims to replace those plus water in children.
Practice all 23 Pediatric Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances questions
Keep practicing
More Pediatric Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances questions
- What is correct for moderate dehydration in a child in terms of percent weight loss?
- Which factor in infants may contribute to a falsely elevated potassium reading when suspecting pseudohyperkalemia?
- Why are insensible and wound fluid losses included when calculating fluid replacement for a child with severe burns?
- In a child with pyloric stenosis and resultant metabolic alkalosis, which electrolyte disturbance is most likely to be seen?
- When assessing a child for dehydration, which physical sign needs cautious interpretation compared to adults?
- Which electrolyte does the nurse particularly monitor in a child with congestive heart failure when loop diuretics are used?