But always consult your physician. Oral rehydration therapy is an effective treatment for children Diana Schroeder, R.N., of the section of pediatrics, who implemented and coordinates the ORT program at Conemaugh, answers parents' questions about oral rehydration therapy.
Dehydration can quickly result.
First we assess the child, and if he or she is a candidate for ORT, we teach the parents what to do. We determine how much fluid the child needs to replace, then give the parents the first hour's volume of glucose-electrolyte solution in a container. The parent feeds the child a teaspoon of solution each minute for one hour. Then we recheck the child. This process continues for several hours.