A nurse in a pediatric clinic is planning care for four children. The nurse should anticipate a provider's prescription for an auditory evaluation for which of the following children?

The nurse should first: b. Keep the child NPO.

Rationale:

In this scenario, the child may have ingested a battery, which can cause serious complications such as chemical burns if it gets stuck in the esophagus. Keeping the child NPO (nothing by mouth) helps prevent further movement of the battery and reduces the risk of complications.

Other responses:

a. Obtain informed consent: While obtaining informed consent may be necessary for certain diagnostic or treatment procedures, the immediate priority is to ensure the child's safety and prevent complications from the suspected battery ingestion.

c. Teach the child's parents the importance of inspecting the child's play area: While this is an important aspect of preventing accidents, it is not the immediate priority when the child is at risk of battery ingestion. Ensuring the child's safety and preventing further harm take precedence.

A. Weight loss of 5%: A 5% weight loss is typically indicative of mild to moderate dehydration, not severe.

B. Sunken anterior fontanelle: A sunken anterior fontanel is a sign of severe dehydration in infants as it indicates significant fluid loss.

C. Produces tears when crying: Producing tears is a sign of adequate hydration. Absence of tears would be more concerning for dehydration.

D. Capillary refill time 3 seconds: A capillary refill time of 3 seconds is at the upper limit of normal for infants. In severe dehydration, capillary refill time would typically be longer than 3 seconds.