Assessment of fluid requirements is an important component of pediatric nutrition care. Fluid intake provides the water that is necessary as a transportation network throughout our bodies and also provides structural integrity to our cells. Accurate assessment of fluid needs is especially important for children as they are at a greater risk of dehydration than adults. This is because the bodies of children contain proportionately more water and therefore require more fluid intake each day to maintain balance. Although we often think of fluid requirements as a goal volume for water consumption, children may meet their fluid requirements through intake of breastmilk, formula, milk, other beverages and even foods. Children with special health care needs require close monitoring of fluid status because their needs may be greater or less than expected and these children may not be able to compensate for inadequate or excessive fluid intake.
This issue of Nutrition Focus will discuss the issue of fluid in children, especially those with special health care needs. The assessment of fluid status will be reviewed. Several cases provide illustrations of fluid assessment and intervention.
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Assessing Fluid Requirements in Infants and Children
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