Acute Vomiting, Diarrhea and Dehydration

Children’s Hospital Colorado’s Acute Vomiting, Diarrhea and Dehydration Clinical Pathway provides guidance on the evaluation and management of children with mild to moderate dehydration.

The pathway includes guidance on:

• Initial evaluation including history, physical exam and red flags for emergent medical and surgical conditions 
• Use of anti-emetic medications and oral rehydration for children of different ages 
• IV hydration and treatment of hypoglycemia

Acute Vomiting, Diarrhea and Dehydration Clinical Pathway

• Acute Vomiting, Diarrhea and Dehydration

This pathway was created by our multidisciplinary team of experts, including emergency medicine providers, general pediatricians, emergency nurses and pharmacists. 

The pathway uses the best available evidence for rehydrating children with acute fluid losses. 

Highlights include:

• Oral rehydration is effective for most children with mild to moderate dehydration 
• Anti-emetic medications should be used to facilitate oral rehydration
• Identifying red flags on initial assessment and repeat assessment facilitates identifying emergent medical and surgical conditions.