A nurse is assessing a dehydrated child's vital signs.
What parameters should the nurse monitor?
"Height and weight.”..
"Heart rate and blood pressure.”..
"Hair and eye color.”..
"Shoe size and clothing size.”..
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
"Height and weight.”.
Rationale: While monitoring height and weight is important for a child's growth and development, these parameters are not the primary vital signs to assess dehydration.
Dehydration assessment focuses on immediate physiological indicators, such as heart rate and blood pressure.
Choice B rationale:
"Heart rate and blood pressure.”.
Rationale: This is The correct answer.
When assessing a dehydrated child, monitoring vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure is crucial.
Dehydration can lead to an increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure.
These parameters provide valuable information about the child's circulatory status and fluid balance.
Choice C rationale:
"Hair and eye color.”.
Rationale: Hair and eye color are not relevant parameters for assessing dehydration.
They are genetic traits and do not change in response to dehydration.
Choice D rationale:
"Shoe size and clothing size.”.
Rationale: Shoe size and clothing size are not relevant for assessing dehydration.
These measurements are related to a child's growth and body structure but do not provide information about their hydration status.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Lethargy and muscle weakness are common signs of electrolyte imbalances in a dehydrated child.
Dehydration can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, which affects muscle function and overall energy levels.
Choice B rationale:
Increased appetite and hyperactivity are not typical signs of electrolyte imbalances in a dehydrated child.
Dehydration often leads to a decreased appetite and lethargy.
Choice C rationale:
Shortness of breath and coughing are not directly related to electrolyte imbalances in a dehydrated child.
These symptoms are more likely to be associated with respiratory or pulmonary issues rather than dehydration.
Choice D rationale:
Excessive thirst and urination are common signs of dehydration but are not indicative of electrolyte imbalances.
These symptoms occur as the body attempts to compensate for fluid loss by increasing thirst and increasing urine output.
Electrolyte imbalances are more likely to manifest as muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias.
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