A neonate is displaying mottled skin, has a large fontanel and tongue, is lethargic, and is having difficulty feeding. The nurse recognizes that this is most suggestive of which disorder?

When caring for a child with an open fracture, the nurse should carefully assess for signs and symptoms of infection. An open fracture refers to a fracture where the bone is exposed through the skin, creating a direct pathway for microorganisms to enter and cause infection. Infection is a significant concern in open fractures and can lead to serious complications if not identified and treated promptly. Signs of infection may include increased pain, swelling, redness, warmth, purulent drainage, fever, or systemic signs of infection such as elevated white blood cell count.

Osteoarthritis in (option A) is incorrect because it, is not an immediate concern in the care of a child with an open fracture. Osteoarthritis refers to degenerative joint disease that typically develops over time and is not directly related to the acute management of an open fracture.

epiphyseal disruption in (option B) is incorrect because it, refers to an injury involving the growth plate (epiphyseal plate) that can affect bone growth and development. While it is a potential concern in fractures that involve the growth plate, it is not specific to open fractures and may not be an immediate priority in the initial assessment of an open fracture.

periosteum thickening in (option D) is incorrect because it, may occur in response to injury and fracture healing, but it is not specifically associated with open fractures and is not a primary focus in the initial assessment of an open fracture.

The statement that best describes why infants are at greater risk for dehydration than older children is option B. Infants have an increased extracellular fluid volume compared to older children. This means that a larger proportion of their total body fluid is located outside the cells, in the extracellular compartment. This higher extracellular fluid volume makes infants more susceptible to fluid losses and dehydration if they experience inadequate fluid intake or increased fluid losses.

infants have an increased ability to concentrate urine in (option A), is incorrect. Infants have limited renal function and may have difficulty concentrating urine compared to older children and adults. This can contribute to a higher risk of dehydration in infants.

infants have a greater volume of intracellular fluid in (option C), is incorrect. The volume of intracellular fluid is not the primary factor contributing to the increased risk of dehydration in infants.

infants have a smaller body surface area in (option D) is incorrect because it, is not directly related to the increased risk of dehydration. Body surface area influences heat exchange and fluid loss through sweating but is not the main factor contributing to the higher risk of dehydration in infants.