QLexNursing

“Do you have a recent weight for your baby?”

✅Recent weight comparison is the most accurate way to determine fluid loss, as acute dehydration is reflected by rapid weight changes.

✅A >5% weight loss indicates mild, 5–10% moderate, and >10% severe dehydration in infants.

✅Knowing recent weight helps determine if the fluid deficit is progressive or severe.

✅ This is a key clinical indicator used in pediatric dehydration assessment.

✅It also assists in calculating fluid replacement needs.

“How many diapers did you change yesterday?”

✅Diaper count and wetness reflect urine output, which is a critical indicator of hydration status.

✅Decreased urine output (fewer wet diapers) is one of the earliest signs of dehydration in infants.

✅ Comparing the diaper count over 24 hours helps determine fluid loss severity.

✅ Normal urine output should be 6–8 wet diapers/day; fewer suggest significant fluid deficit.

✅ Tracking this trend helps guide rehydration therapy.

“Has your baby had any vomiting or diarrhea?”

✅Gastrointestinal losses are a major cause of acute dehydration in infants.

✅ Vomiting and diarrhea result in electrolyte and fluid loss, worsening dehydration severity.

✅Establishing the frequency and duration of GI losses helps estimate fluid replacement needs.

✅ The presence of diarrhea also suggests potential infection-related fluid losses.

✅ This information guides the choice of oral vs IV rehydration.

“How many bottles did your baby have yesterday?”

✅Decreased oral intake is a strong indicator of risk for worsening dehydration.

✅ Infants who drink fewer bottles are not meeting their maintenance fluid needs, leading to negative fluid balance.

✅ This also helps assess whether dehydration is due to inadequate intake or increased losses.

✅ Tracking feeding patterns over the last 24 hours provides valuable trend data.

✅ Early recognition allows prompt oral or parenteral fluid replacement.