The amount of ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) to be given after each stool for children less than 24 months i… - NORCET 6 mains-2024

NORCET 6 mains-2024

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: NORCET 6 mains-2024

Explanation

The correct dosage for children under 24 months is 50-100 ml of ORS after each loose stool.
This guideline is part of the WHO/IMNCI Treatment Plan A, which focuses on preventing dehydration in children with diarrhea.
This specific volume is calculated to safely and effectively replace the fluid and electrolytes lost in loose stools for this age group.
Administering this amount helps maintain hydration and prevents the progression to more severe dehydration.

Option A: This volume is insufficient to adequately replace the fluid lost in a significant loose stool for a young child, increasing the risk of dehydration.
Option B: This instruction (ad libitum) is reserved for older children (over 10 years) and adults who can reliably communicate their thirst and self-regulate their fluid intake.
Option C: This is a very small and clinically insignificant amount that would be ineffective in preventing dehydration.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain ORS dosage for pediatric diarrhea management (WHO Plan A) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's primary role is to educate caregivers on the '4 Rules of Home Treatment' for diarrhea: give extra fluid (ORS), continue feeding, give zinc, and know when to return to the health facility.
Proper ORS administration is critical in preventing dehydration, a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five in India.
What if? If the child starts showing signs of 'some dehydration' (e.g., restlessness, sunken eyes, drinking eagerly), the treatment must be escalated to Plan B. This involves administering a calculated amount of ORS (75 ml/kg) over a 4-hour period in a health facility.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key clinical parameters in the question: the patient's age ('less than 24 months') and the intervention ('amount of ORS after each stool').
Recognize that this question tests factual recall of a standard treatment guideline (WHO/IMNCI for diarrhea).
Recall the specific dosage for the given age group under Treatment Plan A, which is for preventing dehydration.
Compare the recalled dosage with the given options. The range 50-100 ml directly matches the guideline.
Eliminate other options by recalling the guidelines for other age groups: 'As wanted' is for older patients, and the other volumes are too low to be effective.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: ORS dosage for pediatric diarrhea management (WHO Plan A)
Stem keywords: ORS, Oral Rehydration Solution, after each stool, children less than 24 months
Lead-in keywords: amount
Clinical cues: Age: less than 24 months
Clinical cues: Condition: Diarrhea (for ORS use)

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