Rehydration fluids
This document is part of the ACI Diet Specifications for Paediatric Inpatients. It is not to be used for patient education.
Aim
To provide a source of clear fluids to replace or maintain the body’s water balance.
Characteristics
Provides diluted clear liquids only. All fat containing liquids are excluded with the exception of breast milk and infant formula for infants. Fluids are offered frequently in small amounts to meet goal of 1mL/kg every 10mins or about 5mL/kg given every hour.
Indications
Gastroenteritis or acute diarrhoea/vomiting illness.
Nutritional adequacy
This diet is inadequate in all nutrients and should not be used as the sole source of nutritional support for more than 24 hours.
Precautions
Infants and children with gastroenteritis require additional fluids to prevent dehydration, or for rehydration. Monitor regularly for signs of dehydration. High fluid losses with diarrhoea or vomiting will require high fluid intake. Careful calculations are required when monitoring fluid intake and intake of solids containing fluids. Children who have diarrhoea and are not dehydrated should continue to be fed age appropriate diets including solids and will not need this diet. Children who required rehydration and commence this diet should resume age appropriate diets within the first 12-24 hours. Patients do not receive a menu.
Specific menu planning guidelines
| Allowed | Not allowed | |
|---|---|---|
| Hot main dishes | None | All |
| Sauces, gravies | None | All |
| Starchy vegetables/pasta/rice | None | All |
| Vegetables | None | All |
| Soups | Fat-free clear soup and broths | Cream soup or with visible food pieces |
| Sandwiches | None | All |
| Salads, dressings | None | All |
| Breads, cereals | None | All |
| Spreads | None | All |
| Hot breakfast choices | None | All |
| Fruit | None | All |
| Yoghurt | None | All |
| Desserts | Plain jelly, sorbet | All others |
| Milk and cheese | None | All |
| Beverages | Water, cool, boiled Breast milk/Infant formula as directed by medical team/dietitian ¼ strength apple juice ¼ strength pulp-free fruit juice ¼ strength cordials ¼ strength soft drink Oral rehydration solutions | Cows’/goats milk Soy beverage Prune juice Low joule soft drink/cordial Full strength (undiluted) juice/soft drinks Tea/coffee All others |
| Biscuits | None | All |
| Miscellaneous | Plain boiled sweets, gums and jubes Commercial rehydration fluids Commercial high energy, fat-free, milk-free nutritional supplements Sugar | - |
References
- Agency for Clinical Innovation. Nutrition standards for paediatric inpatients in NSW hospitals. Sydney 2011.
- Agency for Clinical Innovation. Nutrition Standards for adult Inpatients in NSW hospitals. Sydney 2011.
- Dietitians Association of Australia. 2009. Nutrition Manual 8th ed. Canberra: DAA.
- American Dietetic Association. Paediatric Nutrition Care Manual. Chicago: ADA.
- Shaw V and Lawson M. 2007. Clinical Paediatric Dietetics. 3rd Edition. Blackwell Publishing.
- NSW Health. 2010. Children and Infants with Gastroenteritis – Acute Management.