Which statement best describes why infants are at greater risk for dehydration than older children?
A) Infants have an increased ability to concentrate urine.
B) Infants have a greater volume of intracellular fluid.
C) Infants have a smaller body surface area.
D) Infants have an increased extracellular fluid volume.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The larger ratio of extracellular fluid to intracellular fluid predisposes the infant to dehydration.Because the kidneys are immature in early infancy,there is a decreased ability to concentrate the urine.Infants have a larger proportion of fluid in the extracellular space.Infants have proportionately greater body surface area in relation to body mass,which creates the potential for greater fluid loss through the skin and gastrointestinal tract.

Which Statement Best Describes Why Infants Are at Greater Risk