A 6-year-old admitted to the PICU with septic shock had a baseline body weight of 18 kg. After aggressive resuscitation his current weight is 19.8 kg. What is his percentage fluid overload?
- A 5 percent
- B 10 percent ✓
- C 15 percent
- D 20 percent
Correct answer: B. 10 percent
Explanation
Percentage fluid overload equals current weight minus baseline weight, divided by baseline weight, multiplied by 100. Here the gain is 1.8 kg over 18 kg, which is 10 percent. Fluid overload exceeding 10 percent of baseline weight in critically ill children is independently associated with prolonged ventilation and higher mortality, and it is a recognized trigger for considering fluid removal strategies. Option A results from dividing by the current instead of the baseline weight.
Reference: Pediatric Critical Care, Rogers and Nichols, 6th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.