A client is concerned about their child's dehydration and seeks medical advice.
The child is lethargic and irritable.
What diagnostic evaluations might the healthcare provider perform to assess the child's condition, as mentioned in the text?
Vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature.
Physical examination findings, such as skin turgor and mucous membrane moisture.
Laboratory tests, including complete blood count (CBC), electrolyte levels, and urine specific gravity.
Assessing the child's history, including recent fluid intake, urine output, and presence of symptoms.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Vital signs are essential in assessing dehydration.
An elevated heart rate may indicate compensatory mechanisms due to decreased intravascular volume.
Low blood pressure may suggest severe dehydration, and abnormal temperature may indicate an underlying infection.
These parameters provide crucial information about the child's circulatory status, helping to assess the severity of dehydration.
Choice B rationale:
Physical examination findings, such as skin turgor and mucous membrane moisture, are valuable indicators of dehydration.
Poor skin turgor, where the skin doesn't return to its normal position promptly when pinched, indicates decreased tissue turgor due to fluid loss.
Dry mucous membranes, including the mouth, suggest dehydration and help evaluate the extent of fluid deficit.
These signs offer direct visual clues about the child's hydration status.
Choice C rationale:
Laboratory tests play a significant role in diagnosing dehydration.
A complete blood count (CBC) helps identify elevated hematocrit levels, indicating hemoconcentration due to fluid loss.
Electrolyte levels, specifically sodium and potassium, provide insights into the child's electrolyte balance, which can be disrupted in dehydration.
Urine specific gravity measures the kidney's ability to concentrate urine; a high specific gravity suggests concentrated urine due to reduced fluid intake.
These tests aid in confirming the diagnosis and assessing the severity of dehydration.
Choice D rationale:
Assessing the child's history is fundamental in understanding the underlying cause of dehydration.
Recent fluid intake and urine output patterns help determine the balance between intake and output.
Symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and fever indicate potential causes of fluid loss.
Additionally, evaluating the child's overall health and any recent illnesses provides context for the dehydration, guiding appropriate treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Lactated Ringer's solution is not contraindicated in cases of hyperkalemia.
This solution contains potassium in a relatively low concentration of 4 mEq/L, which is unlikely to significantly impact hyperkalemia.
Choice B rationale:
Lactated Ringer's solution can be contraindicated in cases of hypokalemia.
While it does contain potassium, the concentration is relatively low at 4 mEq/L.
In cases of severe hypokalemia, a more potassium-rich solution might be preferred.
Choice C rationale:
Lactated Ringer's solution can be used in cases of lower GI fluid loss.
It can help replace lost fluids and electrolytes effectively.
Choice D rationale:
Lactated Ringer's solution can be used in cases of upper GI fluid loss.
It helps restore lost fluids and electrolytes.
Choice E rationale:
Lactated Ringer's solution is not contraindicated in cases of lactic acidosis.
In fact, it contains lactate (28 mEq/L), which can be metabolized to bicarbonate and help correct acidosis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The client's statement, "This IV fluid will provide me with hydration and calories," is correct.
D10W contains 10% dextrose and is used to provide both hydration and calories to the patient.
Choice B rationale:
D10W would not help lower blood sugar levels.
In fact, it would increase blood sugar levels due to the high concentration of dextrose.
Choice C rationale:
D10W does not provide essential electrolytes, so the statement is incorrect.
It's primarily used for calorie supplementation and hydration.
Choice D rationale:
D10W would not help increase blood pressure.
While it can provide hydration, it does not contain medications or components specifically intended to increase blood pressure.
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