1.1 Explain The Importance Of Rehydration

Rehydration, Pediatric

Rehydration is the replacement of body fluids lost during dehydration. Dehydration is a condition in which there is not enough fluid or water in the body. There are many ways that dehydration can occur, including vomiting, diarrhea, or excess sweating.
In most cases, rehydration involves the replacement of not only fluids but also carbohydrates and basic body salts (electrolytes ). While rehydrating and recovering from dehydration, it is important for your child to:
• Continue to eat to maintain strength.
• Avoid foods and drinks that may contribute to further fluid loss or may increase nausea.

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS
Generally, rehydration is safe for your child. However, problems may occur, including:
Your child's health care provider may recommend:
• Having your child drink clear fluids in small amounts at a time.
• Talk with your child's health care provider about the specific amount of fluids your child should be drinking each day. Generally, your child should drink enough fluids to keep his or her urine clear or pale yellow.
• Some examples of clear fluids include water, low-calorie popsicles, and fruit juice with water added (diluted) to reduce the sugar content.
• Giving your child an oral rehydration solution (ORS ). This is a drink that is sold at pharmacies and retail stores.
• Give your child ½–1 cup (120–240 mL) of ORS each time he or she has diarrhea or vomits. If drinking this amount makes your child's vomiting worse, try giving your child smaller amounts more often. For example, give your child 1–3 tsp every 5–10 minutes.
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REHYDRATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations for rehydration vary according to the age and weight of your child. If your child is younger than 1 year, recommendations also vary according to whether your baby is breastfed or bottle fed. You may use a syringe or a spoon to feed ORS to your
Do this instead of breastfeeding your baby.
• If your baby has not vomited for 4 hours, return to regular breastfeeding, but start slowly. Breastfeed for 5 minutes every 30 minutes. If your baby continues to not vomit, you can start to breastfeed for longer than 5 minutes at a time.
Rehydrating a Bottle-Fed Baby Younger Than 1 Year
• If your baby vomits once, continue normal feedings.
• If your baby vomits more than once, feed your baby 1–2 tsp (5–10 mL) of ORS every 5 minutes. Do this for 8 hours . If ORS is not available, follow these instructions using formula.
• If your baby has not vomited after 4 hours, you may feed your baby 2–4 tsp (10–20 mL) of ORS or formula every 5 minutes.
• If your baby has not vomited after a total of 8 hours, you may resume normal feedings.
Rehydrating a Child Aged 1 Year or Older
• If your child is vomiting, feed your child 2–3 tsp (10–15 mL) of ORS every 5 minutes. Do this for 4 hours.
• If your child has not vomited after 4 hours, feed your child 1–4 oz of ORS 3–4 times every hour. Do this for 4 hours.
• If your child has not vomited after a total of 8 hours, your child may resume drinking normal fluids and eating certain