What is the hourly maintenance fluid rate for an 11-pound infant?

To determine the hourly maintenance fluid rate for an 11-pound infant, it's important to apply the "4-2-1 rule," which is commonly used in pediatric care to estimate fluid requirements based on weight. According to this guideline, the maintenance fluid calculation is as follows:

• For the first 10 kg (or approximately 22 pounds), the infant receives 4 mL/kg/hr for the first 10 kg. Since this infant weighs just under 5 kg (11 pounds converted to kilograms), the maintenance fluid requirement is calculated as follows:

1. Calculate the weight in kilograms: 11 pounds ÷ 2.2 = 5 kg (approximately).

2. For the first 10 kg, the rate is 4 mL/kg/hr.

3. Thus, for this infant's weight of 5 kg:

5 kg x 4 mL/kg/hr = 20 mL/hr.

This result aligns with the understanding that smaller infants have higher relative fluid requirements as they have a higher metabolic rate compared to adults. Hence, the appropriate hourly maintenance fluid rate for an 11-pound infant is 20 mL/h, making this answer correct.