943.

Explanation

Core Concept: Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is the first-line treatment for mild to moderate dehydration in children. The standard formula for calculating the initial ORT deficit replacement volume in many protocols is Weight in kg × 75 ml. For an 8 kg infant, the calculation is 8 × 75 = 600 ml.

Clinical Presentation:

• Symptoms: Vomiting, decreased urine output, dry mucous membranes, and irritability.
• Complications: Severe dehydration, hypovolemic shock, and electrolyte imbalances.

Diagnosis:

• First-line: Clinical assessment of dehydration severity (e.g., WHO scale).
• Gold Standard: Serum electrolytes and blood gas if IV fluids are required.

Management:

• Acute: Administer 600 ml of low-osmolarity Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) over 4 hours, giving small, frequent amounts (e.g., 5-10 ml every 5 minutes) to prevent further vomiting.
• Definitive: Transition to maintenance fluids and resume a normal, age-appropriate diet as tolerated.