A 15 kg child has a urine output of 360 mL during the past 12 hours.

Calculate the child’s urine output in mL/kg/hour for this period of time (Do not enter units).

Calculation Steps

Step 1: Determine the total urine output in mL.

• Total urine output = 360 mL

Step 2: Determine the child’s weight in kg.

• Weight = 15 kg

Step 3: Determine the time period in hours.

• Time = 12 hours

Step 4: Calculate the urine output in mL/kg/hour.

• Urine output (mL/kg/hour) = Total urine output ÷ (Weight × Time)

Step 5: Perform the multiplication inside the parentheses first.

• Weight × Time = 15 kg × 12 hours = 180 kg·hours

Step 6: Perform the division.

• Urine output (mL/kg/hour) = 360 mL ÷ 180 kg·hours = 2 mL/kg/hour

Result

The child’s urine output is 2 mL/kg/hour.

Choice A reason:

Measuring the abdominal girth is a useful assessment tool in cases of suspected abdominal distension or fluid accumulation. However, in the context of intussusception, the passage of a currant jelly-like stool is a more critical indicator of the condition. While measuring abdominal girth can provide additional information, it is not the most appropriate immediate action in this scenario.

Choice B reason:

Notifying the practitioner as this is not a typical finding is incorrect because the passage of currant jelly-like stool is a classic symptom of intussusception. This stool appearance results from a mixture of mucus and blood due to the telescoping of the intestine, which compromises blood flow and causes ischemia. Therefore, this finding should be documented as expected rather than considered atypical.

Choice C reason:

Documenting the passage of currant jelly-like stool as an expected finding and planning to move forward with the procedure is the most appropriate action. This stool appearance is a hallmark sign of intussusception, indicating that the condition is present and needs to be addressed promptly. The radiologist-guided pneumoenema is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that can help resolve the intussusception by using air pressure to unfold the telescoped segment of the intestine. Therefore, documenting this finding and proceeding with the planned intervention is crucial.

Choice D reason:

Auscultating for bowel sounds is a standard nursing assessment technique to evaluate gastrointestinal function. However, in the context of intussusception, the passage of currant jelly-like stool is a more definitive indicator of the condition. While auscultating for bowel sounds can provide additional information about bowel activity, it is not the most appropriate immediate action in this scenario.