Communicable diseases: cholera fluid replacement: practice question

A PSM question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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PSM · Communicable diseases: cholera fluid replacement

Sample item

A 5-year-old girl weighing 20 kg has profuse rice-water stools, sunken eyes, a very slow skin pinch and cannot drink. Her dehydration is classified as severe. Following the WHO Plan C, what volume of Ringer lactate should be infused in the first 30 minutes?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. 600 mL

For severe dehydration in a child aged 12 months or more, 100 mL/kg of Ringer lactate is given: 30 mL/kg in the first 30 minutes and then 70 mL/kg over 2.5 hours. For 20 kg the first part is 30 x 20 = 600 mL and the second is 70 x 20 = 1400 mL, totalling 2000 mL over 3 hours. Oral rehydration is begun as soon as the child can drink.

Option by option

  • A. 2000 mL

    2000 mL is the total 100 mL/kg volume over 3 hours, not the volume for the first 30 minutes.

  • B. 1400 mL

    1400 mL is the 70 mL/kg portion that is given over the following 2.5 hours.

  • C. 600 mL (correct)

    Correct. 30 mL/kg x 20 kg = 600 mL in the first 30 minutes.

  • D. 200 mL

    200 mL corresponds to only 10 mL/kg, which is inadequate rapid resuscitation for severe dehydration.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More PSM questions

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is C, 600 mL. For severe dehydration in a child aged 12 months or more, 100 mL/kg of Ringer lactate is given: 30 mL/kg in the first 30 minutes and then 70 mL/kg over 2.

Why is "2000 mL" not the answer?

2000 mL is the total 100 mL/kg volume over 3 hours, not the volume for the first 30 minutes.

Why is "1400 mL" not the answer?

1400 mL is the 70 mL/kg portion that is given over the following 2.5 hours.

Why is "200 mL" not the answer?

200 mL corresponds to only 10 mL/kg, which is inadequate rapid resuscitation for severe dehydration.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Communicable diseases: cholera fluid replacement in PSM. 5 hours. For 20 kg the first part is 30 x 20 = 600 mL and the second is 70 x 20 = 1400 mL, totalling 2000 mL over 3 hours. Oral rehydration is begun as soon as the child can drink.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Communicable diseases: cholera fluid replacement?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.