What factor predisposes an infant to fluid imbalances?
A) Decreased surface area
B) Lower metabolic rate
C) Immature kidney functioning
D) Decreased daily exchange of extracellular fluid

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The infant's kidneys are functionally immature at birth and are inefficient in excreting waste products of metabolism.Infants have a relatively high body surface area (BSA)compared with adults.This allows a higher loss of fluid to the environment.A higher metabolic rate is present as a result of the higher BSA in relation to active metabolic tissue.The higher metabolic rate increases heat production,which results in greater insensible water loss.Infants have a greater exchange of extracellular fluid,leaving them with a reduced fluid reserve in conditions of dehydration.

What Factor Predisposes an Infant to Fluid Imbalances