RESUMO
PIP: 5 nurses and 14 Honduran mothers made up oral rehydration solutions from available materials (nurses bought supplies in Baltimore stores and Hondurans were supplied sugar and water by a rural health center but were asked to bring their own measuring devices) to determine the accuracy of homemade solutions under optimal and field conditions. 3 methods of preparation were used: 1) pinch and scoop; 2) household teaspoon and glass (both nurses and Honduran mothers performed these) 2; and 3) special double-ended plastic spoons (nurses only). The solutions prepared by the 5 U. S. nurses familiar with the physiologic basis of oral therapy and skilled in its use represent optimal conditions. However, there were statistically significant (P .01) nurse-to-nurse sodium level variations using Methods 1 and 2, making these methods unsuitable for promotion in an oral therapy program without health worker supervision. The findings from the Honduran mothers corroborated these findings (and others) because their sodium levels were generally beyond acceptable levels. Therefore, the special double-edged spoon method should be evaluated for its adaptability to field conditions.^ieng
