The percentage of dehydration is calculated using a formula that compares pre-illness weight to current weight.
Calculating Dehydration Percentage
After observing clinical signs, the degree of dehydration (expressed as a percentage) can be determined by calculating the weight difference before and during the illness and comparing it to the original weight. According to the provided reference, the calculation is performed as follows:
*Dehydration (%) = [(Pre-illness weight - Illness weight) / Pre-illness weight] 100**
Example Calculation:
Imagine a patient who weighed 10 kg before becoming ill and currently weighs 9 kg during the illness. The calculation would be:
Dehydration (%) = [(10 kg - 9 kg) / 10 kg] 100 = (1 kg / 10 kg) 100 = 10%
Therefore, the patient is 10% dehydrated.
Summarized Calculation:
| Step | Description | Formula | Example (using 10 kg pre-illness weight and 9 kg illness weight) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Find the weight difference. | Pre-illness weight - Illness weight | 10 kg - 9 kg = 1 kg |
| 2 | Divide the difference by the pre-illness weight. | (Weight difference) / Pre-illness weight | 1 kg / 10 kg = 0.1 |
| 3 | Multiply by 100 to get a percentage. | (Result from step 2) * 100 | 0.1 * 100 = 10% |
This method provides a quantifiable estimate of dehydration, assisting in appropriate fluid replacement and clinical management.
