Question

You have admitted a 9-month-old child who has been diagnosed with moderate dehydration to the dehydration department. The physician ordered oral rehydration therapy (ORT) for this child based on weight 9.5 kg at 50mL/kg over 4 hours. In addition, the physician has ordered replacement fluid of 120 mL for each episode of diarrhea or vomiting. Over the first 4 hours of observation the child had two episodes of diarrhea.

How many milliliters would the child be expected to receive over the 4-hour period?

Answer 1

Answer : The child would be expected to receive 715 mL over 4 hours

Weight of the child = 9.5 kg

Physicians order is 50 mL/kg over 4 hours and additional order of 120 mL for each episode of diarrhoea or vomiting

Step 1 : Find out oral replacement of 50 mL/kg over 4 hours

(cancel out kg from numerator and denominator)

= 50 mL × 9.5

= 475 mL

ie Fluids to be replaced at 50 mL/kg = 475 mL

Step 2 : Find replacement of additional fluid 120 mL for 2 episode of diarrhoea

= 120 mL × 2

= 240 mL

Total amount of fluid expect to receive over 4 hours = 475 mL + 240 mL

Total amount of fluid expect to receive over 4 hours = 715 mL