Dehydration children

Lectin toxicity - nausea, diarrhea, headache, confusion, dehydration, death Wisteria, castor bean (Ricinus communis) Lectins bind to cell surfaces Ricin - blocks protein synthesis, very toxic, 5 to 6 beans can kill a child... 

Other approaches to induce gastrointestinal discomfort have far more serious toxic effects. The chemical colchicine stops cell division (an antimitotic), producing severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration, which can lead to delirium, neuropathy, and kidney failure. On the other hand, colchicine is used in the treatment of gout and has been studied as an anticancer agent because it stops cell division. Most toxic of all are plants that produce lectins, and the most toxic of these is the chemical ricin produced by castor beans. Only 5 to 6 seeds are necessary to kill a small child. Fortunately, following oral consumption much of the ricin is destroyed in the stomach. Ricin is extremely effective at stopping protein synthesis, so much so that direct exposure to only 0.1 pg/kg can be fatal. 

Infants are slow to begin nursing, often do not drink enough fluids during the first few days of life, and lose weight. Dehydration can occur, and it is a major effort to encourage mothers to feed or nurse their child during the neonatal time period. Dehydration concentrates the blood volume and increases the bilirubin concentration. 

Hyponatremic dehydration has been described when charcoal was combined with sorbitol to treat theophylline overdose in a child (SED-12, 951) (3). 

I 07. A child presents with severe vomiting, dehydration, and fever. Initial blood studies show acidosis with a low bicarbonate and an anion gap (the sum of sodium plus potassium minus chloride plus bicarbonate is 40 and larger than the normal 20 to 25). Preliminary results from the blood amino acid screen show two elevated amino acids, both with nonpolar side chains. A titration curve performed on one of the elevated species shows two ionizable groups with approximate pKs of 2 and 9.5. The most likely pair of elevated amino acids consists of... 

In the well infant, bronchiolitis is usually a self-limiting illness, and reassurance and antipyretics are usually all that are necessary while waiting for resolution of the underlying viral infection. In-hospital support is necessary for the child suffering from respiratory failure or dehydration underlying cardiac and pulmonary diseases potentiate these conditions. 

After startiug rehydration therapy, parents should be instructed to observe the child for a reversal of the signs of dehydration, increased stool consistency, and decreased stool frequency. If ORT is not improving the fluid status and the patient continues to produce frequent, large-volume watery stools, close supervision with medical support is justifled. ... 

Faraque ASG, Mahalanabis D, Islam A, et al. Breast-feeding and oral rehydration at home during diarrhoea to prevent dehydration. Arch Dis Child 1992 67 1027-1029. 

The child s mother called the pohce, who took Katta to the hospital emergency room. The patient was semicomatose, incontinent of urine, and her clothes were stained with vomitus. She had a fever of 103°F, was trembling uncontrollably, appeared to be severely dehydrated, and had marked muscle wasting. Her heart rate was very rapid, and her blood pressure was low (85/46 mm Hg). Her abdomen was distended and without bowel sounds. She responded to moderate pressure on her abdomen with moaning and grimacing. 

Feeding Continue age-appropriate diet Resume age-appropriate diet as soon as dehydration is corrected Resume age-appropriate diet as soon as dehydration is corrected Begin ORT when child is stable and alert keep IV line until child is drinking well resume diet as soon as dehydration is corrected... 

A 6-year-old child s fontanels have closed the child is assessed for dehydration by checking skin turgor on the abdomen. 

The purpose of admitting a child with rotavirus is to ensure that dehydration is prevented or treated. The nurse should start the IV and use a controlled IV chamber device. 

Most dishwashing Uquids are vegetable-based products and will produce osmotic diarrhea when ingested therefore, the nurse should ask about abdominal cramping. The soap is not poisonous, but the child may become dehydrated and be uncomfortable. 

Mineral balance Hypernatremia, hypokalemia, and acidosis have been reported after incorrect administration of oral rehydration solutions to two infants [lOS ]. In both cases the parents had diluted 21 g of each oral rehydration solution packet in 200 ml of water. In one case the electrolyte abnormalities were corrected and the losses were replaced with properly reconstituted oral rehydration solution. In the other case there was severe dehydration and the child died. 

In dehydration, fluid volume is also decreased, but there is an increase in the osmolality of the blood because an equivalent amount of sodium was not lost. This form of hypovolemia occurs when fluid is lost but not replaced because the individual is unable to drink (e.g., an infant, an unconscious child or adult, or someone stranded without access to drinkable water) or did not experience the normal thirst impulse (e.g., elderly persons). The result would be a loss of water without replacement and without an equal loss of sodium, resulting in an elevation in sodium concentration in the blood and increased serum osmolality. Dehydration can occur through such mechanisms as profuse sweating, diuresis (e.g., in diabetes insipidus [deficient ADH] or diabetes mellitus and osmotic fluid loss), or excessive diuretic use. 2... 

Dehydration may also result if the patient does not drink plenty of water during the treatment. Specifically it is recommended that a child drink (or be given intravenously) one and a half times maintenance fluids. That amount is determined according to the age and weight of the child. ... 

It was discovered that the hospital had overmedicated her. Because of the small size of a young child, the determination of the dosage can be very sensitive. Elena seemed very unresponsive and still. The hospital staff did not seem alarmed, but her mother Melissa sensed something was wrong. Elena only wanted to sleep and was difficult to awaken. Melissa finally learned that her child had become dangerously dehydrated. 

Any child who exercises in hot weather may be at risk for dehydration. However, the concern is greatest for those participating in activities or organized sports such as football, soccer, or cross-country running that take place during the hot days of late summer. Exercising children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses during hot weather if they... 

Metabolic disease. Maple Syrup Urine Disease. This eighteen month old child was in good control until a metabolic crisis followed an intercurrent infection. He rapidly developed severe acidosis, circulatory impairment and mild dehydration. Therapy was commenced by correcting the acidosis and then simultaneously administrating an intravenous amino acid solution low in leucine, isoleucine and valine, and maintaining control of the acidosis. 

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