What is the hourly maintenance fluid requirement for the first 10 kg of a pediatric patient?

The hourly maintenance fluid requirement for the first 10 kg of a pediatric patient is calculated using the widely accepted "4-2-1 rule." According to this rule, for the first 10 kg of body weight, the requirement is determined by administering 4 ml of fluid per kilogram per hour.

This means that for a pediatric patient weighing up to 10 kg, the calculation for fluid requirements would be:

• For the first 10 kg: 4 ml/kg/hour × 10 kg = 40 ml/hour.

This systematic approach helps ensure that children receive an adequate amount of fluids based on their body weight, which is critical to their physiological needs, especially when they are unable to maintain their hydration status through oral intake.

Other options suggest different values per kg, which do not align with the standard pediatric fluid calculation methods and would not provide sufficient fluid for the metabolic demands of young children.