A nurse is calculating maintenance fluids for a child who weighs 18 kg.
According to the Holliday-Segar method, what would be the total maintenance fluid requirement for this child?
A.
Total maintenance fluids = 1800 mL/day.
B.
Total maintenance fluids = 1200 mL/day.
C.
Total maintenance fluids = 1600 mL/day.
D.
Total maintenance fluids = 1400 mL/day.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To determine the total maintenance fluid requirement for a child who weighs 18 kg using the Holliday-Segar method, we need to follow a specific formula. This method provides guidelines for calculating fluid requirements based on a child’s weight and is commonly used in pediatric nursing to ensure proper hydration.
Holliday-Segar Method for Maintenance Fluids:
- For the first 10 kg of body weight: The child requires 100 mL/kg/day.
- For the next 10 kg of body weight (from 11 kg to 20 kg): The child requires 50 mL/kg/day.
- For any weight above 20 kg: The child requires 20 mL/kg/day.
Given that the child weighs 18 kg, we apply the formula as follows:
- First 10 kg:10 kg×100 mL/kg/day=1000 mL/day10 \, \text{kg} \times 100 \, \text{mL/kg/day} = 1000 \, \text{mL/day}10kg×100mL/kg/day=1000mL/day
- Remaining 8 kg (18 kg – 10 kg):8 kg×50 mL/kg/day=400 mL/day8 \, \text{kg} \times 50 \, \text{mL/kg/day} = 400 \, \text{mL/day}8kg×50mL/kg/day=400mL/day
Total Maintenance Fluids Calculation:1000 mL/day+400 mL/day=1400 mL/day1000 \, \text{mL/day} + 400 \, \text{mL/day} = 1400 \, \text{mL/day}1000mL/day+400mL/day=1400mL/day
Therefore, the total maintenance fluid requirement for this 18 kg child is 1400 mL/day.
Explanation:
The Holliday-Segar method is designed to provide a systematic approach for calculating the maintenance fluid needs of children. It is crucial for ensuring that children receive adequate hydration, which is vital for their overall health and well-being.
By breaking down the child’s weight into specific ranges, this method allows for a more accurate estimation of fluid needs. For weights up to 10 kg, the requirement is higher per kilogram to accommodate the relatively higher metabolic demands of smaller children. For weights between 11 and 20 kg, the requirement per kilogram is reduced, reflecting the changing metabolic needs as the child grows.
In summary, applying the Holliday-Segar formula to an 18 kg child results in a total maintenance fluid requirement of 1400 mL/day, making D. Total maintenance fluids = 1400 mL/day the correct answer. This ensures that the child receives adequate hydration to meet their physiological needs.