At what rate should 10 mL/kg of normal saline be administered to a newborn?

Administering 10 mL/kg of normal saline to a newborn should be done over 5 to 10 minutes to ensure safe and effective fluid delivery. This rate is critical for newborns because their circulatory systems are delicate, and rapid infusion can lead to complications such as fluid overload or cardiac issues.

Infants have smaller blood volumes, and rapid infusions can cause a sudden shift in electrolytes and fluids, potentially leading to serious conditions. By infusing the saline over the course of 5 to 10 minutes, healthcare providers can monitor the newborn's response to the fluid, ensuring that the infant remains stable and that any adverse reactions can be promptly addressed.

In contrast, options that suggest administering the fluid immediately or over 2 to 3 minutes would pose a greater risk of complications due to the swift rate of infusion, while a rate of over 10 to 15 minutes, though safer than the rapid infusions, may be unnecessarily prolonged for the established guidelines for initial boluses in cases requiring quick intervention.