A nurse is providing teaching to the parent of an infant who has gastroesophageal reflux. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates an understanding of the teaching?

To calculate the daily fluid requirements for a child, you typically use the Holliday-Segar method, which provides guidelines based on the child's weight:

1. For the first 10 kg of body weight, you give 100 ml per kg.
2. For the second 10 kg of body weight, you give 50 ml per kg.
3. For any weight above 20 kg, you give 20 ml per kg.

First, convert the child's weight from pounds to kilograms. To do this, divide the weight in pounds by 2.2.

For a child weighing 33 pounds:

• The weight in kilograms is approximately 15 kg (33 divided by 2.2).

Now, calculate the fluid requirement:

• For the first 10 kg of the child's weight, you need 1000 ml (10 kg multiplied by 100 ml).
• For the remaining 5 kg, you need 250 ml (5 kg multiplied by 50 ml).

Adding these together, the total daily fluid requirement is 1250 ml.

So, the daily fluid requirement for a child weighing 33 pounds is 1250 ml.

For a 6-month-old infant who has undergone the repair of an intussusception, the nurse should select an oral electrolyte solution. This solution is specifically designed to replace lost fluids and electrolytes due to vomiting or diarrhea, which is crucial in preventing dehydration in infants.

Options A, B, and C are not suitable choices for an infant in this situation:

A. Half-strength orange juice: Citrus juices, including orange juice, are not recommended for infants under 12 months old. They are acidic and may cause stomach upset or diarrhea.

B. Sterile water: Sterile water does not contain the necessary electrolytes, and offering plain water to an infant after surgery or during an illness can lead to electrolyte imbalances and further dehydration.

C. Half-strength infant formula: Diluting infant formula can lead to inadequate nutrition for the infant. The baby requires appropriate nutrition to support recovery after surgery, and diluting formula can be harmful.

D. An oral electrolyte solution is the best choice as it helps maintain proper hydration and electrolyte balance in the infant's body during the recovery period. If the infant tolerates the oral electrolyte solution well and is not at risk for aspiration, the healthcare provider may gradually advance the diet to include other clear liquids and then slowly reintroduce regular infant formula or breast milk as appropriate. The healthcare provider's instructions should be followed carefully to support the infant's recovery and ensure adequate nutrition.