A nurse is caring for a 3-year-old child who was admitted with acute diarrhea and dehydration. Which of the following findings indicates that oral rehydration therapy has been effective?
Heart rate 130/min
Urine specific gravity 1.015
Respiratory rate 24/min
Capillary refill less than 3 seconds
None
None
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Headaches are not a specific finding for rhabdomyosarcoma of the nasopharynx, as they can be caused by many other conditions. Headaches may occur if the tumor compresses the cranial nerves or the brain, but this is not a common manifestation.
Choice B reason: Bleeding is not a specific finding for rhabdomyosarcoma of the nasopharynx, as it can be caused by many other conditions. Bleeding may occur if the tumor erodes the blood vessels or the mucosa, but this is not a common manifestation.
Choice C reason: Tearing is not a specific finding for rhabdomyosarcoma of the nasopharynx, as it can be caused by many other conditions. Tearing may occur if the tumor affects the lacrimal duct or the eye, but this is not a common manifestation.
Choice D reason: Swelling is an expected finding for rhabdomyosarcoma of the nasopharynx, as it indicates the presence of a mass in the nasal cavity or the pharynx. Swelling may cause nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, or facial asymmetry. Swelling may also be palpable or visible on imaging studies.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Administering antibiotic therapy is an anticipated prescription for the client, as it can treat the possible bacterial infection that is causing the fever, anorexia, and shortness of breath. The client may have developed infective endocarditis, a serious condition that affects the heart valves and can lead to heart failure or stroke. Antibiotic therapy can help prevent further complications and reduce the risk of mortality.
Choice B reason: Obtaining an echocardiogram is an anticipated prescription for the client, as it can help diagnose the presence and severity of infective endocarditis. An echocardiogram is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart and its structures. It can show if there is any damage to the heart valves, vegetation (clumps of bacteria and cells) on the valves, or signs of heart failure.
Choice C reason: Obtaining blood cultures x3 is an anticipated prescription for the client, as it can help identify the causative organism of the infection and guide the appropriate antibiotic therapy. Blood cultures are samples of blood that are taken from different sites and times and tested for the presence of bacteria or other microorganisms. They can confirm the diagnosis of infective endocarditis and determine the sensitivity and resistance of the bacteria to different antibiotics.
Choice D reason: Restricting dental hygiene is a contraindicated prescription for the client, as it can worsen the oral health and increase the risk of infection. Dental hygiene is important for preventing plaque and tartar buildup, which can harbor bacteria and cause dental caries, gingivitis, or periodontitis. These conditions can increase the risk of bacteremia (bacteria in the blood) and infective endocarditis. The nurse should teach the client to maintain good oral hygiene and use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle flossing.
Choice E reason: Performing a strenuous exercise regimen twice a day is a contraindicated prescription for the client, as it can increase the cardiac workload and exacerbate the symptoms of infective endocarditis. Strenuous exercise can cause tachycardia (fast heart rate), dyspnea (difficulty breathing), chest pain, and fatigue, which can worsen the condition of the heart and the valves. The nurse should advise the client to avoid strenuous exercise and limit physical activity to a level that does not cause symptoms.
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