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Oral rehydration — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardGastrointestinal TherapeuticsOral rehydrationGPhC CRA

An 18 kg 4-year-old has gastroenteritis without clinical dehydration but has passed seven watery stools in 24 hours, placing them at increased dehydration risk. Usual feeding continues. What supplemental oral rehydration volume should the parent offer after each further large watery stool?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — 90 mL oral rehydration solution

NICE advises 5 mL/kg ORS after each large watery stool for a child at increased risk of recurrent dehydration. For 18 kg, 18 × 5 mL = 90 mL. The advice is supplemental to usual feeds and fluids; 45 mL uses 2.5 mL/kg, while 180, 360 and 900 mL correspond to unrelated 10, 20 and 50 mL/kg volumes.

Reference: NICE CG84: gastroenteritis in under-5s. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg84/chapter/Recommendations