Slide 6
Difficulties of intravenous rehydration
(Review Slide 4)
This is a postage stamp from Nicaragua in
Central America, a number of years ago. There are two pictures, both of the same
child. The picture which is above the arm was taken a day before the
picture which is above the word 'gastroenteritis'.
Q. What message is the stamp trying to give?
Teacher's Note
We suggest that you stop the commentary here and discuss the message of the stamp thoroughly. Make sure that
everyone understands that this is an old stamp, and therefore an old
message. |
A. In the first picture, above the arm, the
child shows signs of moderate dehydration similar to the
child in="diarrhoea-management-04.htm" target="_blank"> Slide 4. He has sunken, half closed eyes. In the
second picture, above 'gastroenteritis', he looks well
because he is now rehydrated.
Q. How was this child rehydrated?
A. He was rehydrated by an intravenous or IV drip - shown going from the
bottle between the pictures into the child's arm.
Q. Do you think this is a good way to rehydrate a dehydrated
child?
A. Intravenous rehydration can be very effective as the pictures of the child's
face show. Sometimes, it saves a child's life. In the past it was necessary to
give intravenous fluids to many children with diarrhoea. Now it is only
necessary for a few very severe cases. We now know that you can give children
with diarrhoea fluids by mouth - even if they are
dehydrated. These oral fluids are very effective, and much
simpler to give. Remember, - this stamp is an old one!
