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Dehydration
As described in Unit 1, it is difficult to know if a SAM child is dehydrated because the signs used to diagnose dehydration
in normal children may be present in a SAM child even when not dehydrated.
Let’s think about what signs you should look for while assessing dehydration
in a SAM child.
Q. Identify whether the following could be found in dehydration, malnutrition,
or both.
| Dehydration only | Malnutrition only | Both | |
|---|---|---|---|
| a) Skin pinch goes back slowly |
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| b) More thirsty than usual |
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| c) Sunken eyes |
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| d) Dry mouth |
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| e) Watery diarrhoea |
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| f) Absence of tears |
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| g) Weight loss |
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Feedback
Incorrect!
Correct answers are that a), c), d), f) and g)
can be caused by both dehydration and severe malnutrition, and
b) and e) are signs associated with dehydration only. A child
with SAM, who has watery diarrhoea and is more thirsty than usual,
is likely to be dehydrated. Signs a), c), d), f) and g) may be
present in SAM due to changes in body composition and function,
and are unreliable signs of dehydration.Please complete the question.
