A nurse is caring for a 3-year-old toddler who has dehydration.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Sodium 142 mEq/L.
Respiratory rate 22/min.
Potassium 3.9 mEq/L.
Heart rate 148/min.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Sodium level of 142 mEq/L is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L) for adults. However, normal ranges for children might vary slightly, but 142 mEq/L is not indicative of dehydration on its own.
Choice B rationale:
Respiratory rate of 22/min is within the normal range for a 3-year-old child (20-30 breaths/min) This rate alone does not provide evidence of dehydration.
Choice C rationale:
Potassium level of 3.9 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.1 mEq/L) for children. Like sodium, normal ranges for potassium may differ slightly in pediatric patients, but 3.9 mEq/L is not alarming on its own.
Choice D rationale:
Heart rate of 148/min is elevated for a 3-year-old child. Tachycardia is a common sign of dehydration in pediatric patients. This increased heart rate indicates the body's compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output in response to decreased blood volume, a typical consequence of dehydration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Keeping a can of concentrated formula in the refrigerator for 3 days after opening it is not safe. Once a can of formula is opened, it should be used within 24 hours and stored in the refrigerator. After 24 hours, any leftover formula should be discarded to prevent the risk of bacterial contamination.
Choice B rationale:
Diluting ready-to-feed formula with water is incorrect. Ready-to-feed formula is already prepared and does not need to be diluted further. Adding water to ready-to-feed formula can dilute its nutritional content and may not provide the necessary nutrients for the baby.
Choice C rationale:
Boiling tap water for 2 minutes and cooling it before mixing it with powdered formula is the correct method for safe formula preparation. Boiling the water kills harmful bacteria and ensures the formula is safe for the baby to consume. It is essential to cool the boiled water before mixing it with powdered formula to reach an appropriate feeding temperature.
Choice D rationale:
Ensuring that all bottles contain BPA (bisphenol A) is not a relevant consideration for formula preparation. BPA is a chemical that was previously used in some plastics, including baby bottles, but has been banned in baby bottles and sippy cups in several countries due to its potential health risks. Most modern baby bottles are BPA-free, and this statement does not address the safe handling and preparation of formula for the baby.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A - This is correct because discomfort while walking can indicate genital trauma or infection, which are possible signs of sexual abuse.
B - This is incorrect because thin extremities can be caused by many factors, such as malnutrition, genetic disorders, or chronic diseases, that are not necessarily related to sexual abuse.
C - This is incorrect because bruises on the upper back can result from accidental injuries, such as falls or bumps, or from physical abuse, such as hitting or kicking, but not specifically from sexual abuse.
D - This is incorrect because a stained shirt can be due to poor hygiene, food spills, or environmental factors, but not necessarily from sexual abuse.
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