A 3-year-old child is admitted to a pediatric unit with moderate dehydration.
The nurse would expect to see which of the following assessment findings in this child?
Pulse of 160, oliguria, sunken fontanels, and an admission weight of 30 lbs.
Pulse of 180, furrowed tongue, mottled skin, and an admission weight of 28 lbs.
Pulse of 120, dry mucous membranes, pale, and an admission weight of 30.2 lbs.
Pulse of 150, poor skin turgor, oliguria, and an admission weight of 29.5 lbs.
The Correct Answer is D
Answer: D. Pulse of 150, poor skin turgor, oliguria, and an admission weight of 29.5 lbs. Rationale:
Choice A: A pulse of 160 is slightly elevated for a 3-year-old (normal range is 90-140 bpm), but not significantly so. Oliguria (decreased urine output) is a common sign of dehydration. However, sunken fontanels are typically seen in infants with severe
dehydration and not necessarily present in moderate cases. An admission weight of 30 lbs is irrelevant for assessing dehydration.
Choice B: A pulse of 180 is significantly elevated and suggests potential tachycardia, which can be a sign of severe dehydration or other underlying conditions. While a furrowed tongue can occur with dehydration, it's not specific enough. Mottled skin can be caused by various factors and isn't a definitive sign of moderate dehydration.
Admission weight alone isn't indicative of dehydration.
Choice C: A pulse of 120 is within the normal range for a 3-year-old. Dry mucous membranes are a common sign of dehydration. However, pale skin can be caused by various factors and isn't specific to dehydration. Admission weight alone isn't indicative of dehydration.
Choice D: A pulse of 150 is slightly elevated, potentially indicating dehydration or other factors. Poor skin turgor is a key assessment finding in moderate dehydration. It refers to the skin's slow return to its original shape after being pinched, indicating a lack of fluid. Oliguria is a common sign of dehydration, suggesting decreased fluid intake or output. An admission weight of 29.5 lbs might be slightly lower than the child's baseline weight due to dehydration, but weight alone shouldn't be used to diagnose dehydration.
Therefore, considering the combination of a slightly elevated pulse, poor skin turgor, oliguria, and a potential decrease in weight, choice D presents the most likely assessment findings in a child with moderate dehydration.
It's important to remember that a comprehensive assessment, including history, physical examination, and potentially laboratory tests, is crucial for diagnosing and classifying the severity of dehydration in children.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Working on catching a bounced ball is an age-appropriate activity for a 7-year-old child. This activity helps develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Choice B rationale
Purchasing a jumping rope is an age-appropriate activity for a 7-year-old child. Jumping rope helps improve physical fitness, coordination, and timing.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging a 7-year-old child to ride his tricycle indicates a need for further teaching. At this age, most children have the balance and coordination necessary to ride a two-wheeler bike.
Continuing to ride a tricycle may limit the development of these skills.
Choice D rationale
Running is a great activity for a 7-year-old child. It helps improve cardiovascular fitness and physical strength. Playing chase adds an element of fun and can also help develop social skills.
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