Dehydration Prevention in Patients with History of Diarrhoea and/or Vomiting — No Signs of Severe or Moderate Dehydration

Clinical Scenario

This protocol addresses patients presenting with a history of diarrhoea and/or vomiting in whom assessment reveals no features of severe or moderate ('some') dehydration.

Assessment Findings — All Present

Normal mental status
Easily palpable radial pulse
Normal eyes
Skin pinch returns < 1 second
No thirst; drinks normally

Management Approach

The focus is on preventing dehydration from progressing. The approach centres on encouraging appropriate fluid intake — including breastfeeding in young children — and oral rehydration after each loose stool, with volumes adjusted by age group.

Full regimen, volumes, and clinical decision points are in the protocol →

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

History of diarrhoea and/or vomiting and concomitant reduced urine output.
No signs of "severe" or "some" dehydration.
Easily palpable radial pulse. Goes back quickly (< 1 second). No thirst, drinks normally.
Encourage age-appropriate fluid intake, including breastfeeding in young children.
Administer ORS according to WHO Treatment Plan A after any loose stool.
Children < 2 years 50 to 100 ml (10 to 20 teaspoons)
Children 2 to 10 years 100 to 200 ml (½ to 1 glass)
Children > 10 years and adults at least 250 ml (at least 1 glass)

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