Dehydration In Children

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Dehydration is the loss of body water and salts. This can happen when your child is vomiting, has diarrhea, is sweating a lot, or has a fever. Your child also may get dehydrated if he is not drinking enough liquids. Signs of mild or moderate dehydration include having a dry mouth and urinating less. Serious symptoms include having sunken eyes and no tears, being confused or tired, or having seizures.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers to decide what care you want for your child.

RISKS:

• During treatment, your child's eyelids, hands, and feet may swell from the liquids he is getting. If your child gets IV treatment, fluid may leak out of the vein and cause swelling. His vein may become inflamed (red and swollen). If an NG tube is placed in his nose, he may have pain or a nosebleed. Some liquid may get into his lungs and lead to a lung infection. If your child's treatment includes drinking an ORS, his bowels may stop working for awhile. This can make his stomach swell.
  
  
• If your child is not treated for dehydration, his symptoms may get worse. Your child may have less energy or become confused or sleepy. He may become unconscious (will not wake up) or have seizures. Your child's organs, such as his kidneys, heart, or brain, may stop working, and he may die. Ask your caregiver if you have questions or concerns.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that your child may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your child's medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done to your child. Make sure all of your questions are answered.

Intake and output:

Caregivers may need to know how much liquid your child is getting and urinating. Your child may need to urinate into a container in bed or in the toilet. A caregiver will measure the amount of urine. If your child wears diapers, a caregiver may need to weigh them. Do not throw away diapers or flush urine down the toilet before asking a caregiver.

Vital signs:

This includes checking your child's temperature and blood pressure and counting his heartbeat and breaths. Caregivers will also check your child's weight.

Tests:

• Blood tests: Your child may need blood tests to give caregivers information about how his body is working. The blood may be taken from your child's arm, hand, finger, foot, heel, or IV.
  
  
• Urine tests: Your child may need to give a sample of urine for tests.

Treatment options:

Treatment for dehydration may include any of the following:

• Oral liquids: An ORS is a special drink that contains the right amounts of salt, sugar, minerals, and nutrients in water. It is the best oral liquid for replacing body fluids.
  
  
• Nasogastric tube: Caregivers may put a tube in your child's nose. The tube ends in his stomach. Caregivers can give your child ORS through this tube.
  
  
• Intravenous liquids: If your child has serious dehydration, caregivers will give him intravenous (IV) liquids. Caregivers will first try to give liquids through a tube placed in a small vein, such as in your child's arm. If small veins cannot be used, caregivers may try to use a larger vein near your child's collarbone. In some cases, liquids may need to be given through a needle placed into your child's leg bone.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Dehydration In Children (Inpatient Care)