A nurse is caring for a child with moderate dehydration.
What is the appropriate fluid deficit calculation for a child who weighs 12 kg?
Fluid deficit (in mL) = body weight (in kg) x 0.03.
Fluid deficit (in mL) = body weight (in kg) x 0.06.
Fluid deficit (in mL) = body weight (in kg) x 0.1.
Fluid deficit (in mL) = body weight (in kg) x 0.04.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Fluid deficit (in mL) = body weight (in kg) x 0.03.
Rationale: This calculation significantly underestimates the fluid deficit for a child with moderate dehydration.
Dehydration often requires more significant fluid replacement.
Choice B rationale:
Fluid deficit (in mL) = body weight (in kg) x 0.06.
Rationale: This calculation overestimates the fluid deficit for a child with moderate dehydration.
Using this formula would result in excessive fluid replacement, which can be harmful.
Choice C rationale:
Fluid deficit (in mL) = body weight (in kg) x 0.1.
Rationale: This calculation overestimates the fluid deficit for a child with moderate dehydration.
Using this formula would result in excessive fluid replacement, which can be harmful.
Choice D rationale:
Fluid deficit (in mL) = body weight (in kg) x 0.04.
Rationale: This is The correct answer.
The appropriate fluid deficit calculation for a child who weighs 12 kg with moderate dehydration is to multiply their body weight by 0.04.
For this child, it would be 12 kg x 0.04 = 480 mL.
This formula is a commonly used guideline to estimate fluid deficit in cases of dehydration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
“This fluid will help to increase your sodium levels which are currently too low.”.
The nurse should explain to the client that they are receiving Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl) to increase their sodium levels.
This is The correct choice because Normal Saline is a hypertonic solution containing 154 mEq/L of sodium and 154 mEq/L of chloride.
It is used in cases of hyponatremia to raise sodium levels.
Sodium is an essential electrolyte, and low levels can lead to symptoms such as weakness, confusion, and muscle cramps.
Choice B rationale:
“This fluid will help to decrease your sodium levels which are currently too high.”.
Normal Saline is a hypertonic solution that would not be used to lower sodium levels, as it would have the opposite effect and further elevate sodium levels.
Choice C rationale:
“This fluid will help to increase your potassium levels which are currently too low.”.
It is not used to increase potassium levels, and potassium replacement would require a different solution, such as potassium chloride.
Choice D rationale:
“This fluid will help to decrease your potassium levels which are currently too high.”.
Normal Saline does not address high potassium levels; it is used to address hyponatremia and dehydration by increasing sodium levels.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice B: Total maintenance fluids = 1200 mL/day.
Choice A rationale:
This value exceeds the calculated requirement for a child weighing 18 kg using the Holliday-Segar method.
Choice B rationale:
The Holliday-Segar method calculates maintenance fluids based on weight as follows:
- For the first 10 kg, the requirement is 100 mL/kg.
- For the next 10 kg, the requirement is 50 mL/kg.
Thus, for a child weighing 18 kg:
- First 10 kg: 10 kg x 100 mL/kg = 1000 mL
- Next 8 kg: 8 kg x 50 mL/kg = 400 mL Total maintenance fluid requirement = 1000 mL + 400 mL = 1400 mL/day.
So, actually, the correct answer should be Choice D: 1400 mL/day.
Choice C rationale:
This value is higher than the requirement for 18 kg based on the Holliday-Segar method.
Choice D rationale:
This is the correct calculation based on the method described above: 1000 mL for the first 10 kg plus 400 mL for the next 8 kg totals 1400 mL/day.
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