Compared with younger children and adults, adolescent fluid recommendations are best described as which of the following?

• A. Higher than adults and younger children because adolescent kidneys are immature and require extra hydration to maintain electrolyte balance.
• B. Lower than both younger children and adults because adolescents reduce spontaneous physical activity and therefore need less fluid.
• C. Identical to younger children and adults because fluid needs are fixed per kilogram of weight and do not change with age category.
• D. Higher than younger children but typically lower than adult recommendations, reflecting increased needs for growth but not yet the highest adult-level requirements.

Answer: (D)