An 18-month-old has vomiting and diarrhoea for two days. He is lethargic, has sunken eyes, cool hands, capillary refill 5 seconds and weak pulses.

Question

An 18-month-old has vomiting and diarrhoea for two days. He is lethargic, has sunken eyes, cool hands, capillary refill 5 seconds and weak pulses. Blood glucose is 3.5 mmol/L. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Give an isotonic crystalloid bolus and reassess perfusion

Answer

Administer loperamide to reduce stool losses

Answer

Delay fluids until electrolyte results return

Answer

Give hypotonic maintenance fluid as a bolus

Answer

Start oral rehydration alone because diarrhoea is common

Dehydration with shock — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

An 18-month-old has vomiting and diarrhoea for two days. He is lethargic, has sunken eyes, cool hands, capillary refill 5 seconds and weak pulses. Blood glucose is 3.5 mmol/L. What is the most appropriate management?