Pediatrics · Pediatric Critical Care, Fluids, Electrolytes and Dehydration Management

A 15 kg child has 10% dehydration due to acute gastroenteritis. How much total fluid (in mL) should be administered in the first 24 hours (including maintenance and deficit replacement)?

  • A 1750 mL
  • B 2750 mL
  • C 3750 mL
  • D 4500 mL
Correct answer: B. 2750 mL

Explanation

Deficit volume = 10% of body weight × 1000 mL/kg = 0.10 × 15 × 1000 = 1500 mL. Maintenance by Holliday-Segar: 1000 mL (first 10 kg) + 250 mL (5 kg × 50 mL/kg) = 1250 mL/day. Total 24-hour requirement = 1500 + 1250 = 2750 mL. Half the deficit (750 mL) is given in the first 8 hours along with one-third of maintenance, and the remaining deficit over the next 16 hours.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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