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February 10, 2012
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Dehydration in Children (cont.)

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Exams and Tests

The doctor will perform a thorough history and physical exam in an effort to determine the severity and cause of the dehydration. .

  • Specific laboratory tests may be ordered.

    • A complete blood count may identify an infection.

    • Blood cultures may identify the specific kind of infection.

    • Blood chemistries may identify electrolyte abnormalities caused by vomiting and diarrhea

    • Urinalysis may identify bladder infection, may give evidence of the severity of dehydration, and may identify sugar and ketones in urine (evidence of uncontrolled diabetes).

  • In some cases, the doctor may order other tests, such as a chest x-ray, a test to check for rotavirus, stool cultures, or lumbar puncture (a spinal tap).
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Dehydration in Children - Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What were the symptoms of your child(s) dehydration?

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Dehydration »

Dehydration describes a state of negative fluid balance that may be caused by numerous disease entities.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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