Dehydration & Fluid Needs

Infants have little fluid reserve, so dehydration develops quickly.

Key points

  • Signs: sunken fontanel, fewer wet diapers, tachycardia.
  • Oral rehydration is first-line for mild to moderate dehydration.
  • Daily weight is the best indicator of fluid status.

Test-taking tip: Eliminate options that are true but do not answer the question asked.

Questions about this lesson

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Kevin Adeyemi

Can I massage a boggy fundus if the bladder is full?

  1. Grace Lee

    Check and empty the bladder too — a full bladder displaces the uterus and prevents contraction.