Infants are most susceptible to significant losses in total body water because of an infant's:
A) High body surface-to-body size ratio
B) Slow metabolic rate
C) Kidneys are not mature enough to counter fluid losses
D) Inability to communicate adequately when he or she is thirsty

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Renal mechanisms that regulate fluid and electrolyte conservation are often not mature enough to counter the losses; consequently,dehydration may rapidly develop.Infants can be susceptible to changes in total body water because of their high metabolic rate and the turnover of body fluids caused by their greater body surface area in proportion to their total body size.The inability to communicate their thirst is a problem only when they are poorly cared for.

Infants Are Most Susceptible to Significant Losses in Total Body