Home › MCQs › Nursing › Question #9253
Back to Questions
Nursing QUESTION #9253
Question 1
A 3-year-old child weighing 12 kg is prescribed IV fluid for dehydration. Using the Holliday-Segar method, what is the CORRECT daily maintenance fluid requirement?
  • 800 mL/day
  • 1100 mL/day✔️
  • 1200 mL/day
  • 1500 mL/day
Correct Answer Explanation

The Holliday-Segar method calculates maintenance fluid requirements:

WeightFluid Rate
First 10 kg\(100\,\text{mL/kg/day}\)
Next 10 kg (10–20 kg)\(50\,\text{mL/kg/day}\)
Each kg above 20 kg\(20\,\text{mL/kg/day}\)

Calculation for 12 kg child:

\[\text{First 10 kg} = 10 \times 100 = 1000\,\text{mL}\]

\[\text{Next 2 kg} = 2 \times 50 = 100\,\text{mL}\]

\[\text{Total} = 1000 + 100 = 1100\,\text{mL/day}\]

Hourly rate: \(\dfrac{1100}{24} \approx 46\,\text{mL/hr}\)

This formula is essential for pediatric nurses. Remember: it calculates maintenance only — deficit and ongoing losses are added separately in dehydrated children.