Fluid Basics
What causes insensible fluid loss in young children with fever?
What is increased body surface area relative to fluid volume?
Fever elevates insensible water loss, especially in young children due to their high surface area-to-volume ratio.
A child presents with dry mucous membranes and sunken eyes. What level of dehydration is likely?
What is moderate dehydration?
These are classic signs of moderate fluid loss.
A child with serum Na+ >150 mEq/L likely has what condition?
What is hypernatremia?
Caused by water loss or sodium excess.
What is the most common cause of acute diarrhea in children?
What is rotavirus?
A fecal-oral transmitted virus causing watery stools and vomiting.
What type of shock results from fluid loss via diarrhea?
What is hypovolemic shock?
It occurs when blood volume drops below critical levels.
Why are infants at higher risk for fluid imbalance?
What is due to immature kidneys, high metabolic rate, and higher % of body water in ECF?
These factors reduce fluid regulation and increase vulnerability.
How do you calculate fluid loss from diaper weight?
What is 1 gram = 1 mL urine?
This helps assess output in non-toilet-trained children.
What condition is marked by serum K+ <3.5 mEq/L?
What is hypokalemia?
Common in GI losses or diuretic use.
What is a key danger of severe diarrhea?
What is dehydration and electrolyte loss?
Leads to hypovolemia and metabolic imbalance.
What are early signs of shock in children?
What is tachycardia and delayed cap refill?
Initial compensation involves increased heart rate.
What is considered a normal urine specific gravity range in children?
What is 1.001–1.030?
Values above 1.030 indicate dehydration, as urine becomes more concentrated.
What type of dehydration has a sodium level <130 mEq/L?
What is hyponatremic dehydration?
Sodium loss exceeds water loss.
What condition causes muscle cramps, tetany, and Chvostek’s sign?
What is hypocalcemia?
These signs reflect neuromuscular irritability.
Why should antidiarrheals be avoided in infants?
What is they may mask underlying infection or cause toxicity?
Not safe for young children.
What is the emergency treatment for anaphylaxis?
What is epinephrine and ABCs?
Epinephrine reverses airway swelling and circulatory collapse.
What are the three types of fluid losses?
What are insensible, urinary, and fecal losses?
These are key routes through which the body loses water.
What IV fluid is recommended for severe dehydration?
What is isotonic solution (NS or LR)?
These fluids restore vascular volume without shifting compartments.
When should potassium NOT be given IV?
What is until renal function is confirmed?
Risk of hyperkalemia if kidneys aren’t excreting properly.
What are signs of pyloric stenosis?
What is forceful (projectile) vomiting?
Caused by gastric outlet obstruction.
Why observe a child for hours after anaphylaxis?
What is risk of late-phase reaction?
Symptoms can return even after initial treatment.
Why is metabolic acidosis a concern in dehydration?
What is due to bicarbonate loss and poor perfusion?
Dehydration impairs renal function and leads to acid buildup.
What is the recommended fluid replacement for moderate dehydration?
What is 100 mL/kg of ORS?
This dose replaces fluid loss in moderate cases.
What is a key assessment in edema management?
What is daily weight?
A sensitive measure of fluid retention.
What diet is recommended after rehydration?
What is age-appropriate diet including complex carbs and proteins?
Promotes healing and gut function.
What visible tool helps prevent recurrence in anaphylaxis patients?
What is a medical alert bracelet?
Alerts others to the allergy in case of emergency.