Gorelick Dehydration Scale

Name: Gorelick Dehydration Scale
Creator: Daniel Diaz-Gil, MD
Keywords: Gorelick, dehydration, dehydration scale, clinical dehydration, fluid deficit, gastroenteritis, volume depletion, pediatric dehydration

10-point clinical dehydration assessment for estimating percent dehydration in children

Clinically Verified· 6 tests

For educational and informational purposes only. Verify all results before clinical application.

Decreased Skin Elasticity (turgor) *

Prolonged Capillary Refill (>2 sec) *

Ill General Appearance *

Ill-appearing: lethargic, listless, or toxic appearance

Absent Tears *

Dry Mucous Membranes *

Sunken Eyes *

Abnormal Respirations *

Tachypnea or hyperpnea (Kussmaul breathing pattern)

Tachycardia *

Heart rate above age-appropriate normal range

Weak Pulse *

Decreased Urine Output *

References

Gorelick MH, Shaw KN, Murphy KO. Validity and reliability of clinical signs in the diagnosis of dehydration in children. Pediatrics. 1997;99(5):E6.[DOI]
Steiner MJ, DeWalt DA, Byerley JS. Is this child dehydrated? JAMA. 2004;291(22):2746-2754.[DOI]

Reviewed by Daniel Diaz-Gil, MD · Last updated March 2026

Medical disclaimer

This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional clinical judgment. Always independently verify results before making clinical decisions.

Professional Resources — Tools used by pediatricians for general pediatric care

The Harriet Lane HandbookClassic pediatric drug dosing and clinical reference~$50via Amazon Broselow Pediatric Emergency TapeColor-coded length-based tape for weight estimation and emergency dosing~$30via Amazon