Which urine output value defines oliguria in a 4-year-old child?
- A Less than 0.5 mL/kg/hour
- B Less than 1.0 mL/kg/hour ✓
- C Less than 2.0 mL/kg/hour
- D Less than 30 mL/hour regardless of weight
Correct answer: B. Less than 1.0 mL/kg/hour
Explanation
In infants and children up to adolescence, oliguria is defined as urine output below 1 mL/kg/hour, reflecting reduced renal perfusion or intrinsic renal disease. The 0.5 mL/kg/hour threshold applies to adolescents and adults, whose concentrating ability and body composition differ, and using it in young children misses significant renal hypoperfusion. A fixed hourly volume such as 30 mL ignores the wide weight range across childhood. Output between 1 and 2 mL/kg/hour remains acceptable.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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