A nurse is assessing a child who has rhabdomyosarcoma of the nasopharynx. What is an expected finding for this malignancy?

Choice A reason: Recurrent epigastric pain is not a complication of peptic ulcer disease, but rather a common symptom of it. Peptic ulcer disease is the erosion of the mucosal lining of the stomach or duodenum, which can cause pain, burning, or discomfort in the upper abdomen.

Choice B reason: Hyperactive bowel sounds are not a complication of peptic ulcer disease, but rather a normal finding in a child who has not eaten for a while. Hyperactive bowel sounds indicate increased peristalsis, which can be caused by hunger, stress, or infection.

Choice C reason: Yellowish-red emesis is a complication of peptic ulcer disease, as it indicates bleeding from the ulcer. Bleeding can occur when the ulcer erodes the blood vessels or the protective layer of the mucosa. Yellowish-red emesis means that the blood has been partially digested by the stomach acid, giving it a coffee-ground appearance.

Choice D reason: Melena stool is a complication of peptic ulcer disease, as it indicates bleeding from the ulcer. Melena stool is black and tarry, and it has a foul odor. It means that the blood has passed through the entire digestive tract, and has been altered by the intestinal bacteria and enzymes.

The correct answer is: b.

Choice A: Heart rate 130/min

A heart rate of 130 beats per minute (bpm) is considered high for a 3-year-old child. Normal heart rates for children aged 1-3 years typically range from 80 to 120 bpm. While dehydration can cause tachycardia (increased heart rate), a heart rate of 130 bpm does not necessarily indicate effective rehydration.

Choice B: Urine specific gravity 1.015

Urine specific gravity of 1.015 is within the normal range (1.005–1.030) for a hydrated child. Dehydration increases urine concentration (>1.020), but a normalized value like 1.015 shows that ORT has restored fluid balance. UpToDate and NIH studies (e.g., Binder et al., 2014) highlight urine specific gravity as a precise measure of hydration status, making it the strongest indicator of ORT effectiveness.

Choice C: Respiratory rate 24/min

The normal respiratory rate for a 3-year-old child is between 20 and 30 breaths per minute. A respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute is within this normal range. While a normal respiratory rate can indicate improved hydration status, it is not the most specific indicator of effective rehydration therapy.

Choice D: Capillary refill less than 3 seconds

Capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds suggests adequate perfusion, as normal is under 2 seconds. Dehydration may prolong this time, but “less than 3 seconds” could include slightly delayed values (e.g., 2.5 seconds). UpToDate and NIH studies (e.g., Doan et al., 2010) note it as useful but less specific than urine specific gravity for confirming ORT effectiveness.