A nurse is assessing a child for dehydration.
Select all the clinical manifestations of dehydration in children mentioned in the text.
Thirst and dry mouth.
Decreased urine output and dark-colored urine.
Rapid heart rate and low blood pressure in severe cases.
Poor skin turgor.
Increased energy and playfulness.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
Choice A rationale:
Thirst and dry mouth are early signs of dehydration.
When the body loses fluids, it signals the brain to increase thirst and conserve water.
Dry mouth can occur due to reduced saliva production when the body is dehydrated.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased urine output and dark-colored urine are indicators of concentrated urine, suggesting dehydration.
Reduced fluid intake or excessive fluid loss can lead to decreased urine production, and the urine becomes more concentrated, appearing darker than usual.
Choice C rationale:
Rapid heart rate and low blood pressure are signs of hypovolemic shock, a severe form of dehydration where the body cannot circulate enough blood to meet its needs.
This can happen in severe cases of dehydration when there is a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes.
Choice D rationale:
Poor skin turgor is a classic clinical sign of dehydration.
Skin turgor refers to the skin's ability to return to its normal position after being pinched.
In dehydrated individuals, the skin loses elasticity and remains tented or "pinched" after being pulled up.
This indicates a lack of fluid in the body.
Choice E rationale:
Increased energy and playfulness are not typical signs of dehydration.
Dehydrated children are more likely to be lethargic and irritable due to the physiological stress on their bodies.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Gastrointestinal illnesses, particularly diarrhea and vomiting, lead to fluid loss from the body.
Diarrhea can cause significant loss of water and electrolytes, leading to dehydration.
Vomiting, especially when persistent, can also result in fluid depletion.
These conditions are common causes of dehydration in both children and adults.
Choice B rationale:
Excessive sweating during physical activity or in hot weather can lead to dehydration in individuals, but this scenario does not apply to the child described in the question, who is experiencing decreased urine output and dark-colored urine.
Sweating excessively is more common in older children and adults during physical activities.
Choice C rationale:
Fever, which increases the body's fluid requirements, is a valid point.
However, the child in this scenario does not have fever mentioned as a symptom.
In the absence of fever, gastrointestinal illnesses are the more likely cause of dehydration.
Choice D rationale:
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease, can lead to chronic dehydration.
However, these conditions are not mentioned in the scenario provided.
In the absence of information about underlying medical conditions, gastrointestinal illnesses remain the most likely cause of the child's dehydration.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Normal saline (0.9% NaCl).
Choice A rationale:
Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) is the most appropriate choice for a client with cerebral edema.
This isotonic solution is commonly used to maintain intravascular volume and provides a neutral effect on fluid balance in the brain.
It does not introduce additional electrolytes that could potentially worsen cerebral edema.
Choice B rationale:
Half normal saline (0.45% NaCl) is not the best choice for cerebral edema because it is hypotonic and may lead to cellular swelling, potentially exacerbating the edema.
Choice C rationale:
Lactated Ringer's, while isotonic, contains additional electrolytes and lactate.
In the case of cerebral edema, it is safer to use a solution with a simpler composition like normal saline to avoid any potential complications related to electrolyte imbalances.
Choice D rationale:
D5W (5% dextrose in water) is not recommended for cerebral edema because it contains dextrose and may not adequately address the underlying issue of increased intracranial pressure associated with cerebral edema.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.