Assessment of Degree of Dehydration







Mild Moderate Severe
Infant 5% 10% 15%
Adolescent 3% 6% 9%
Infants and young children Thirsty, alert; restless Thirsty; restless or lethargic; irritable Drowsy; limp, cold, sweaty, cyanotic extremities; may be comatose
Older children Thirsty, alert Thirsty, alert (usually) Usually conscious (but at reduced level), apprehensive; cold, sweaty, cyanotic extremities; wrinkled skin on fingers and toes; muscle cramps
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Tachycardia Absent Present Present
Palpable pulses Present Present (weak) Decreased
Blood pressure Normal Orthostatic hypotension Hypotension
Cutaneous perfusion Normal Normal Reduced and mottled
Skin turgor Normal Slight reduction Reduced
Fontanel Normal Slightly depressed Sunken
Mucous membrane Moist Dry Very dry
Tears Present Present or absent Absent
Respirations Normal Deep, may be rapid Deep and rapid
Urine output Normal Oliguria Anuria and severe oliguria


Reference:
Nelson Essential of Pediatrics 6th Edition
 

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