Vomiting and diarrhea in young children and infants can lead to which of the following?

• A. Dehydration
• B. Enhanced immune response
• C. Increased blood pressure
• D. Improved nutrient absorption

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the physiological effects of vomiting and diarrhea. Both processes lead to the loss of fluids and electrolytes from the body, which are essential for maintaining hydration and homeostasis.
2. Step 2: Recognize that young children and infants are particularly vulnerable to fluid loss because their bodies have a higher water content and smaller reserves compared to adults. This makes them more prone to dehydration.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the options provided in the question. Dehydration is a direct consequence of fluid loss, while the other options (enhanced immune response, increased blood pressure, and improved nutrient absorption) are not directly related to the effects of vomiting and diarrhea.
4. Step 4: Understand why the other options are incorrect. Enhanced immune response is not a typical result of fluid loss; increased blood pressure is unlikely because dehydration often leads to lower blood pressure; and improved nutrient absorption is not possible when nutrients are being expelled from the body.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is dehydration, as it aligns with the physiological impact of vomiting and diarrhea in young children and infants.