An infant losing 6% to 9% of their body weight is experiencing what type of dehydration?

In infants, dehydration can be categorized based on the percentage of body weight lost. When an infant loses between 6% to 9% of their body weight, this indicates moderate dehydration. This level of fluid loss may present with clinical signs such as decreased urine output, dry mouth, and mild lethargy, but it does not yet pose an immediate danger that would classify it as severe dehydration.

Severe dehydration typically involves a loss greater than 9% of body weight and presents with more critical symptoms such as significant lethargy, very dry mucous membranes, and a marked decrease in skin turgor. Mild dehydration corresponds to a loss of up to 5% of body weight, which would reflect less severe clinical signs. The term extreme dehydration is not a commonly used classification in clinical settings. Understanding these distinctions helps in assessing and managing hydration status in infants effectively.