Which hydration schedule is correct for an infant with suspected cholera?

Which hydration schedule is correct for an infant with suspected cholera?

• A. 1 quart in 24 hours
• B. 1 quart in 4 hours
• C. 1 quart in 8-24 hours
• D. 1 pint in 24 hours

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to replace the fluid and electrolyte losses from diarrheal disease with steady oral rehydration over a full day. In an infant with suspected cholera, the goal is to provide enough oral rehydration solution to cover ongoing losses and keep hydration status stable, while avoiding rapid large-volume shifts that can overwhelm the gut or trigger vomiting. This approach fits how oral rehydration works: a balanced solution that supports sodium and glucose absorption helps restore intravascular and extracellular fluids efficiently. Keeping the intake spread across a 24-hour period ensures gradual rehydration, maintains perfusion, and allows continued feeding to support nutrition and recovery. Giving too much fluid too quickly can cause vomiting or electrolyte imbalances; giving too little or spreading it too slowly risks continued dehydration and shock. If signs of severe dehydration or poor tolerance of oral intake appear, escalate to intravenous rehydration promptly.

The main idea is to replace the fluid and electrolyte losses from diarrheal disease with steady oral rehydration over a full day. In an infant with suspected cholera, the goal is to provide enough oral rehydration solution to cover ongoing losses and keep hydration status stable, while avoiding rapid large-volume shifts that can overwhelm the gut or trigger vomiting.

This approach fits how oral rehydration works: a balanced solution that supports sodium and glucose absorption helps restore intravascular and extracellular fluids efficiently. Keeping the intake spread across a 24-hour period ensures gradual rehydration, maintains perfusion, and allows continued feeding to support nutrition and recovery.

Giving too much fluid too quickly can cause vomiting or electrolyte imbalances; giving too little or spreading it too slowly risks continued dehydration and shock. If signs of severe dehydration or poor tolerance of oral intake appear, escalate to intravenous rehydration promptly.