skip to main content

Severe cholera dehydration — DTM&H MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardTropical bacterial infectionsSevere cholera dehydrationDTM&H

A 3-year-old weighing 12 kg has cholera with severe dehydration and can receive intravenous fluid immediately. Which initial WHO Plan C prescription is correct?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — 360 mL Ringer lactate in 30 minutes, then 840 mL over 2.5 hours

The best answer is “360 mL Ringer lactate in 30 minutes, then 840 mL over 2.5 hours”. At age at least one year, severe dehydration is treated with 100 mL/kg: 30 mL/kg within 30 minutes and 70 mL/kg over the next 2.5 hours. For 12 kg, that is 360 mL then 840 mL. ORS begins as soon as drinking is possible, with frequent reassessment.

Reference: WHO guidelines for cholera control: Treatment Plan C: https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/36837/924154449X.pdf