Rehydration is needed for which condition?

• A. Dehydration
• B. Infection
• C. Edema
• D. Hemorrhage

Answer: (A)

Rehydration is used to replace lost fluids when the body’s water content is deficient. In dehydration, total body water is reduced due to insufficient intake or excessive losses (like vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating), so restoring fluids—and electrolytes—is essential to return normal circulation and tissue perfusion. This is best achieved with oral rehydration solutions or IV fluids, depending on severity.

Edema involves fluid overload in tissues, so adding fluids would not be appropriate and the goal is often to reduce excess fluid. Hemorrhage centers on stopping bleeding and restoring blood volume, which may involve fluids as part of resuscitation but isn’t framed as rehydration for a fluid deficit. Infection can contribute to dehydration, but the direct need for rehydration is most clearly tied to a dehydration state.