A nurse is assessing a dehydrated child's vital signs.
What parameters should the nurse monitor?

The correct answer is B. Shakiness.

Choice A: Increased capillary refill Capillary refill time (CRT) is a simple and quick test requiring minimal equipment or time to perform. Prolonged CRT is a ‘red flag’ feature, identifying children with increased risk of significant morbidity or mortality. A normal CRT should be between 2-3 seconds when applied centrally, such as to the sternum or the forehead. Therefore, increased capillary refill is not typically associated with hypoglycemia.

Choice B: Shakiness Shakiness, or tremors, are rhythmic shaking movements that most often happen in the hands, but can also occur in the arms, legs, head, vocal cords, and torso. Tremors can occur while a child is resting or active. Shakiness is a common symptom of hypoglycemia.

Choice C: Thirst While it’s true that excessive thirst can be a sign of diabetes, it’s a tricky one when the patient is a child. Young children often drink plenty of fluids when they are perfectly healthy. However, thirst is typically associated with hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia.

Choice D: Decreased appetite Loss of appetite (anorexia) is a common symptom in children. Acute illness in childhood is often associated with transient loss of appetite. However, decreased appetite is not typically a direct symptom of hypoglycemia.

Choice A rationale:

Maintaining a warm room temperature is not the key to preventing dehydration.

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, and temperature control in the room doesn't directly address this issue.

Choice B rationale:

The significance of oral rehydration solution (ORS) is a crucial factor in preventing and treating dehydration.

ORS contains a balanced mixture of salts and sugars that help the body reabsorb water and electrolytes lost due to dehydration.

It is the most effective way to rehydrate a dehydrated child.

Educating the client about the importance of ORS is essential because it provides a clear solution to the problem of dehydration.

Choice C rationale:

The need for a complete blood count (CBC) testing is unrelated to the prevention of dehydration.

CBC is a diagnostic test used to assess various blood parameters, including red and white blood cell counts.

It is not a preventive measure against dehydration.

Choice D rationale:

Suggesting the child's need for frequent, heavy meals is not an appropriate way to prevent dehydration.

In fact, heavy meals can sometimes worsen dehydration as they may be difficult to digest, leading to an increased risk of vomiting and diarrhea, which exacerbate fluid loss.