Which statement best describes the initial management route for severe dehydration in adults?

Which statement best describes the initial management route for severe dehydration in adults?

• A. Oral rehydration therapy only
• B. Intravenous fluids is the primary route
• C. Subcutaneous saline only
• D. Intraosseous fluids only

Answer: (B)

Rapid restoration of intravascular volume with intravenous fluids is the initial management for severe dehydration in adults. When dehydration is severe, circulating blood volume is depleted, leading to reduced perfusion and potential shock, so IV fluids are started promptly to quickly restore perfusion. Oral rehydration cannot reliably address this level of fluid loss and may be poorly tolerated or too slow in severe cases. Subcutaneous saline delivers fluid more slowly and is not suitable for rapid resuscitation of hypovolemia. Intraosseous access and fluids are valuable if IV access cannot be obtained quickly, but IV fluids remain the preferred initial route when IV access is available. The typical approach uses an isotonic crystalloid given as a rapid IV bolus (for example, about 20 mL/kg), with reassessment and repeated boluses as needed until perfusion improves.

Rapid restoration of intravascular volume with intravenous fluids is the initial management for severe dehydration in adults. When dehydration is severe, circulating blood volume is depleted, leading to reduced perfusion and potential shock, so IV fluids are started promptly to quickly restore perfusion. Oral rehydration cannot reliably address this level of fluid loss and may be poorly tolerated or too slow in severe cases. Subcutaneous saline delivers fluid more slowly and is not suitable for rapid resuscitation of hypovolemia. Intraosseous access and fluids are valuable if IV access cannot be obtained quickly, but IV fluids remain the preferred initial route when IV access is available. The typical approach uses an isotonic crystalloid given as a rapid IV bolus (for example, about 20 mL/kg), with reassessment and repeated boluses as needed until perfusion improves.