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Oral rehydration counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardGastrointestinal TherapeuticsOral rehydration counsellingGPhC CRA

A 16 kg child with gastroenteritis develops signs of clinical shock. Under NICE CG84, what is the initial rapid intravenous fluid bolus while the response is reassessed?

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Correct answer: C — 160 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride

NICE now specifies a rapid 10 mL/kg bolus of 0.9% sodium chloride for suspected or confirmed shock, followed by immediate reassessment. For 16 kg, 16 × 10 mL = 160 mL. The 80 mL and 320 mL options use 5 and 20 mL/kg; 800 mL is the 50 mL/kg rehydration deficit rather than a shock bolus, and 1,600 mL is a tenfold error.

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