Which finding is most consistent with severe dehydration in children?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Weight loss > 10%, sunken fontanel, capillary refill > 4 seconds
In infants a > 10% weight loss plus signs such as sunken fontanel, delayed capillary refill indicate severe dehydration.
Practice all 23 Pediatric Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances questions
Keep practicing
More Pediatric Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances questions
- Why is the isotonic solution preferred over a hypotonic one for a child with vomiting and diarrhea?
- Which characteristic of infants makes them more vulnerable to fluid and electrolyte disturbances than older children?
- Using the Holliday-Segar formula, what is the approximate maintenance fluid requirement per day for a 10-kg child who has had vomiting and…
- Why is potassium replacement critical even before insulin therapy in a child with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
- Which statement is correct regarding fluid correction for a 2-year-old child with hypernatremia (serum sodium 156 mEq/L)?
- In a child with prolonged diarrhea, which electrolyte losses are most important to replace in this pediatric scenario?