Clinical Dehydration Scale (children)
Dehydration severity in children with gastroenteritis.
Inputs
CompleteGeneral appearance
Eyes
Mucous membranes (tongue)
Tears
Worked calculation
Your values are highlighted.
- Points
When to use
- Children 1–36 months with gastroenteritis.
Pearls and pitfalls
- Some dehydration: oral rehydration (ondansetron may help); moderate to severe: consider IV fluids.
Why use
Four quick observations.
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| General appearance: Normal | 0 |
| Thirsty, restless, or lethargic but irritable when touched | +1 |
| Drowsy, limp, cold, sweaty, or comatose | +2 |
| Eyes: Normal | 0 |
| Slightly sunken | +1 |
| Very sunken | +2 |
| Mucous membranes (tongue): Moist | 0 |
| Sticky | +1 |
| Dry | +2 |
| Tears: Present | 0 |
| Decreased | +1 |
| Absent | +2 |