A client inquires about the signs of electrolyte imbalances in a dehydrated child.
Which symptoms should the nurse mention?
"Lethargy and muscle weakness.”..
"Increased appetite and hyperactivity.”..
"Shortness of breath and coughing.”..
"Excessive thirst and urination.”..
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Lethargy and muscle weakness are common signs of electrolyte imbalances in a dehydrated child.
Dehydration can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, which affects muscle function and overall energy levels.
Choice B rationale:
Increased appetite and hyperactivity are not typical signs of electrolyte imbalances in a dehydrated child.
Dehydration often leads to a decreased appetite and lethargy.
Choice C rationale:
Shortness of breath and coughing are not directly related to electrolyte imbalances in a dehydrated child.
These symptoms are more likely to be associated with respiratory or pulmonary issues rather than dehydration.
Choice D rationale:
Excessive thirst and urination are common signs of dehydration but are not indicative of electrolyte imbalances.
These symptoms occur as the body attempts to compensate for fluid loss by increasing thirst and increasing urine output.
Electrolyte imbalances are more likely to manifest as muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Height and weight.”.
Rationale: While monitoring height and weight is important for a child's growth and development, these parameters are not the primary vital signs to assess dehydration.
Dehydration assessment focuses on immediate physiological indicators, such as heart rate and blood pressure.
Choice B rationale:
"Heart rate and blood pressure.”.
Rationale: This is The correct answer.
When assessing a dehydrated child, monitoring vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure is crucial.
Dehydration can lead to an increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure.
These parameters provide valuable information about the child's circulatory status and fluid balance.
Choice C rationale:
"Hair and eye color.”.
Rationale: Hair and eye color are not relevant parameters for assessing dehydration.
They are genetic traits and do not change in response to dehydration.
Choice D rationale:
"Shoe size and clothing size.”.
Rationale: Shoe size and clothing size are not relevant for assessing dehydration.
These measurements are related to a child's growth and body structure but do not provide information about their hydration status.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Sunken fontanelle (in infants).
C. Dry mucous membranes.
E. Lethargy.
Choice A rationale:
Sunken fontanelle (in infants) is a clinical sign of dehydration.
The fontanelle is the soft spot on an infant's head, and when it becomes sunken, it suggests that the child is dehydrated.
This occurs because a lack of adequate fluid causes the brain to temporarily shrink, leading to the sunken appearance.
Choice B rationale:
Increased urine output is not typically a sign of dehydration.
In fact, dehydration often leads to decreased urine output as the body attempts to conserve fluid.
Increased urine output can be a sign of other conditions, such as diabetes.
Choice C rationale:
Dry mucous membranes are a classic sign of dehydration.
When the body lacks sufficient fluids, the mucous membranes in the mouth and other areas can become dry and sticky.
This is an important clinical indicator of dehydration.
Choice D rationale:
Normal skin turgor is not a sign of dehydration.
Skin turgor refers to the skin's ability to bounce back when pinched and released.
In a hydrated individual, the skin should have good turgor.
Dehydration can lead to poor skin turgor, but normal skin turgor does not indicate dehydration.
Choice E rationale:
Lethargy is a potential sign of dehydration.
When a child is dehydrated, they may become lethargic or unusually tired because their body is not receiving the necessary fluids to function properly.
Lethargy can be an early sign of dehydration in children.
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