Table 2

Clinical dehydration scale: A score of 0 represents no dehydration, 1–4 represents some dehydration, and 5–8 represents moderate to severe dehydration; higher score is predictive of need for IV fluids and longer ED stay after assessment by physician (P < .01).

ASSESSED FEATUREPOSSIBLE SCORE
General appearance0–2
Eyes0–2
Mucous membranes0–2
Tears0–2

  • ED—emergency department, IV—intravenous.

  • Data from Bailey et al.30