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
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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Thirst and dry mouth are common signs of dehydration in adults, but in pediatric patients, especially infants, the signs are different.
Children may not be able to communicate their thirst effectively, and dry mouth might not be as noticeable as other signs.
Choice B rationale:
Rapid heart rate and low blood pressure are symptoms of shock, which can occur in severe dehydration.
However, these symptoms are not specific to dehydration and can be present in other conditions.
Sunken eyes and fontanelle in infants are more specific indicators of dehydration in pediatric patients.
Sunken eyes occur due to loss of tissue turgor, and a sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on an infant's head) is a late sign of dehydration.
Choice D rationale:
Lethargy and irritability can be signs of dehydration, but they are nonspecific and can occur in various pediatric conditions.
Sunken eyes and fontanelle, on the other hand, are more specific to dehydration, especially in infants.
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