💧ORAL REHYDRATION SOLUTION ( ORS ) PROCEDURE

1. Definition

• Oral Rehydration Therapy is a simple and effective method of replacing fluids and electrolytes lost during diarrhea using Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS).

• It is recommended by the World Health Organization for prevention and treatment of dehydration.

2. Purpose

• To prevent and treat dehydration

• To replace fluid and electrolyte loss

• To reduce complications of diarrhea

• To maintain normal body functions

3. Indications

• Diarrhea (acute or chronic)

• Mild to moderate dehydration

• Vomiting with fluid loss

• Children and adults with fluid imbalance

4. Contraindications

⚠️ Avoid or use cautiously in:

• Severe dehydration (needs IV fluids)

• Persistent vomiting

• Unconscious patient

• Intestinal obstruction

5. Articles / Equipment

🧰 Equipment:

• Clean container or glass

• Spoon

🧴 Supplies:

• ORS packet

• Safe drinking water (boiled and cooled)

📋 Records:

• Intake-output chart

💧 Composition of ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution)

Standard WHO low-osmolarity ORS contains the following components:

• Glucose (Anhydrous) – 13.5 g

• Sodium Chloride (NaCl) – 2.6 g

• Potassium Chloride (KCl) – 1.5 g

• Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate – 2.9 g

👉 All dissolved in 1 liter of clean water

💧 ORS Requirement Chart (According to Age)

Age Group	ORS Amount After Each Loose Stool	Method of Administration
Below 2 years	50 – 100 ml	Spoon / dropper, small frequent sips
2 – 10 years	100 – 200 ml	Cup, slow intake
Above 10 years & Adults	200 – 250 ml or as much as tolerated	Drink freely in small sips

6. Patient Preparation

• Explain procedure to patient or caregiver

• Ensure patient is conscious and able to drink

• Assess degree of dehydration

• Wash hands before preparation

7. Procedure Steps

1. Wash hands thoroughly before preparing ORS solution.

2. Take one liter of clean, boiled, and cooled drinking water in a clean container.

3. Open one ORS packet carefully without contaminating it.

4. Pour the entire contents of the ORS packet into the water.

5. Stir the solution well until the powder is completely dissolved.

6. Do not add sugar, salt, or any other substances to the solution.

7. Check the solution for proper mixing and clarity.

8. Give the ORS solution to the patient in small, frequent sips using a cup or spoon.

9. Encourage the patient to drink after each loose stool.

10. If vomiting occurs, wait for a few minutes and continue giving ORS slowly.

11. Monitor the patient for signs of improvement such as reduced thirst and better urine output.

12. Continue ORS therapy as per requirement (usually within 24 hours).

13. Discard any unused ORS solution after 24 hours.

14. Wash hands after completing the procedure.

8. Post Procedure Care

• Continue feeding (especially breastfeeding in infants)

• Monitor hydration status

• Maintain intake-output record

• Refer if condition worsens

9. Complications

• Severe dehydration if ORS is inadequate

• Electrolyte imbalance (rare if properly used)

• Continued diarrhea

10. Health Education

• Use ORS at home during diarrhea

• Prepare ORS correctly (1 packet in 1 liter water)

• Maintain hygiene and safe drinking water

• Continue normal diet

• Recognize danger signs:

  • Sunken eyes

  • Lethargy

  • No urine output

  • Persistent vomiting

🎯 Viva Questions

Q1. What is the correct ratio for ORS preparation?👉 1 packet in 1 liter of water

Q2. When should ORS solution be discarded?👉 After 24 hours

Q3. Can ORS be given in severe dehydration?👉 No, IV fluids are required