A patient with more than 10% dehydration is categorized as which level?

• A. Severe dehydration
• B. Mild dehydration
• C. Moderate dehydration
• D. Not dehydrated

Answer: (A)

Dehydration severity is based on how much body weight is lost from fluid deficit. When the loss is greater than about 10%, it falls into the severe dehydration category. That level means a large fluid deficit with a real risk of poor tissue perfusion and shock, so it requires urgent, aggressive treatment often with intravenous isotonic fluids and close monitoring. Lesser losses correspond to mild dehydration (roughly 3–5%) or moderate dehydration (roughly 6–9%), which are typically managed with oral rehydration or slower IV rehydration. If there’s essentially no fluid loss, the person is not dehydrated. So, more than 10% dehydration is categorized as severe dehydration.