A 3-month-old is admitted to the hospital with severe diarrhea for 3 days. The child has a fever, sunken fontanels, and dry skin. She is to receive nothing by mouth, only I.V. fluids. To prevent circulatory overload while she is receiving intravenous therapy, it is essential to take which of following measures?

Explanation

•It is essential to maintain the prescribed rate of flow to prevent circulatory overload while assessing the infant’s response to treatment.

•Dehydration of any cause may be a life threatening situation in infants. Initial therapy is directed toward restoring extracellular fluid volume. Rectal temperature is often elevated, both pulse and respirations are weak and rapid, skin is pale and cool, and the infant may appear apprehensive and lethargic.

•Dehydrated infants have depressed fontanels, sunken eyes and poor skin turgor. Urine output will be scanty and concentrated.