A client’s mother is worried about her child who has been diagnosed with moderate dehydration.
The nurse reassures the mother and explains the steps involved in fluid replacement for a dehydrated child.
Which of the following statements by the mother indicates a correct understanding of the nurse’s explanation?

“I understand that my child’s hydration status will be continuously assessed.”.

Choice A rationale:

While a child's age and weight may play a role in determining fluid replacement, this statement doesn't encompass the entire concept of managing dehydration.

Monitoring hydration status involves assessing clinical signs and symptoms, as well as ongoing evaluation.

Choice B rationale:

Electrolyte solutions and supplements are indeed part of the treatment for dehydration.

However, this statement doesn't reflect the comprehensive understanding of managing a dehydrated child, including continuous assessment of hydration status.

Choice C rationale:

This statement indicates a correct understanding.

Continuous assessment of a child's hydration status is essential in managing dehydration.

It allows healthcare providers to monitor the child's response to treatment and make necessary adjustments.

Choice D rationale:

Collaboration within the healthcare team is important, but this statement doesn't specifically address the understanding of fluid replacement and dehydration management.

The correct response is choice C because it highlights the critical aspect of continuous assessment, which is essential to ensure that the child's hydration status is being monitored effectively during treatment.

Approximately 100 mL/hour.

To calculate the total hourly fluid replacement rate, we can use the Holliday-Segar method, which is commonly used in pediatrics.

According to this method, a child's daily maintenance fluid requirement is calculated as follows: For the first 10 kg of body weight: 100 mL/kg/day.

For the next 10 kg of body weight: 50 mL/kg/day.

For each additional kg of body weight: 20 mL/kg/day.

In this case, the child weighs 14 kg.

So, we calculate as follows: For the first 10 kg: 10 kg x 100 mL/kg/day = 1000 mL/day.

For the next 4 kg (14 kg - 10 kg): 4 kg x 50 mL/kg/day = 200 mL/day.

Now, add these two together: 1000 mL/day + 200 mL/day = 1200 mL/day.

To find the hourly rate, we divide the daily requirement by 24 (hours in a day): 1200 mL/day ÷ 24 hours/day = 50 mL/hour.

So, the child's total hourly fluid replacement rate should be approximately 50 mL/hour.

However, this is an approximate rate.

To be more conservative in the case of severe dehydration, it's common to round this up to approximately 100 mL/hour to ensure that the child receives adequate fluids to rehydrate.

Choice A rationale:

Approximately 58 mL/hour is not The correct answer.

This calculation does not match the standard Holliday-Segar method used in pediatrics for fluid replacement.

Choice B rationale:

Approximately 140 mL/hour is not The correct answer.

This calculation significantly exceeds the recommended hourly fluid replacement rate for a child of this weight, which could potentially lead to overhydration.

Choice D rationale:

Approximately 82 mL/hour is not The correct answer.

This calculation does not align with the standard method for calculating fluid replacement in pediatric patients.