Dehydration (1)

Question 1

Why do younger children have higher fluid requirements?

Answer 1

• Higher body composition of water – 80% in neonates, 70% in infants
• Higher body surface area to body mass ratio – Increased loss through skin and increased susceptibility to environmental temperature changes
• Higher metabolic rate
• Higher respiratory loss
• Kidney immaturity
• Decreased thirst sensitivity – learnt behaviour

Question 2

How does it present?

Answer 2

• Dry nappies
• Dry mouth, lips and eyes
• Tachypnoea
• Drowsiness
• Sunken fontanelle – this is a sign of severe dehydration