A client is about to receive D10W (10% dextrose in water) as part of their treatment plan.
The nurse explains that this intravenous fluid contains Dextrose 100 g/L and Water 900 mL.
Which of the following statements made by the client indicates a correct understanding of their treatment?

Choice A rationale:

Administer electrolyte solutions or supplements as prescribed by the physician.

Rationale: While administering electrolyte solutions or supplements may be part of the treatment plan for a dehydrated child, it is not the initial action that the nurse should take.

The first step should be to assess the child's condition and monitor their response to treatment.

Choice B rationale:

Monitor the child’s response to treatment and adjust the plan accordingly.

Rationale: This is The correct answer.

Dehydration is a complex condition, and the nurse's initial action should be to closely monitor the child's response to treatment, which may include oral or intravenous rehydration.

By monitoring the child's vital signs, urine output, and clinical signs, the nurse can make real-time adjustments to the treatment plan.

Choice C rationale:

Collaborate with physicians, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.

Rationale: Collaboration with other healthcare professionals is important for the overall care of the child, but it is not the immediate action needed to correct electrolyte imbalances in a dehydrated child.

Monitoring and treatment adjustments come first.

Choice D rationale:

Assess the degree of dehydration based on clinical signs and symptoms.

Rationale: While assessing the degree of dehydration is important, it should not be the only action taken.

Monitoring the child's response to treatment and adjusting the plan is equally crucial.

Dehydration assessment is typically part of the initial evaluation, but ongoing monitoring is necessary to ensure the child's condition improves.

Choice A rationale:

Fluid deficit (in mL) = body weight (in kg) x 0.03.

Rationale: This calculation significantly underestimates the fluid deficit for a child with moderate dehydration.

Dehydration often requires more significant fluid replacement.

Choice B rationale:

Fluid deficit (in mL) = body weight (in kg) x 0.06.

Rationale: This calculation overestimates the fluid deficit for a child with moderate dehydration.

Using this formula would result in excessive fluid replacement, which can be harmful.

Choice C rationale:

Fluid deficit (in mL) = body weight (in kg) x 0.1.

Rationale: This calculation overestimates the fluid deficit for a child with moderate dehydration.

Using this formula would result in excessive fluid replacement, which can be harmful.

Choice D rationale:

Fluid deficit (in mL) = body weight (in kg) x 0.04.

Rationale: This is The correct answer.

The appropriate fluid deficit calculation for a child who weighs 12 kg with moderate dehydration is to multiply their body weight by 0.04.

For this child, it would be 12 kg x 0.04 = 480 mL.

This formula is a commonly used guideline to estimate fluid deficit in cases of dehydration.