A 10 kg, 18-month-old child has moderate dehydration (estimated 10% deficit) secondary to acute gastroenteritis. Using the Holliday-Segar method for maintenance fluids, calculate the total 24-hour maintenance fluid requirement for this child.

• A 800 mL/24 hours
• B 1000 mL/24 hours ✓
• C 1200 mL/24 hours
• D 1500 mL/24 hours

Explanation

Holliday-Segar formula: for the first 10 kg body weight, maintenance fluid = 100 mL/kg/day. For this 10 kg child: 10 × 100 = 1000 mL/24 hours. The formula gives 100 mL/kg for the first 10 kg, then 50 mL/kg for the next 10 kg (11–20 kg), then 20 mL/kg for each kg above 20 kg. Note: total rehydration fluid = maintenance + deficit (10% of 10 kg = 1000 mL), given over 24 hours as per ORS/IV plan, but the question specifically asks for MAINTENANCE only, which is 1000 mL/day.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.