A nurse is caring for a child with severe dehydration who weighs 14 kg.
What would be the total hourly fluid replacement rate for this child?
Approximately 58 mL/hour.
Approximately 140 mL/hour.
Approximately 100 mL/hour.
Approximately 82 mL/hour.
The Correct Answer is C
Approximately 100 mL/hour.
To calculate the total hourly fluid replacement rate, we can use the Holliday-Segar method, which is commonly used in pediatrics.
According to this method, a child's daily maintenance fluid requirement is calculated as follows: For the first 10 kg of body weight: 100 mL/kg/day.
For the next 10 kg of body weight: 50 mL/kg/day.
For each additional kg of body weight: 20 mL/kg/day.
In this case, the child weighs 14 kg.
So, we calculate as follows: For the first 10 kg: 10 kg x 100 mL/kg/day = 1000 mL/day.
For the next 4 kg (14 kg - 10 kg): 4 kg x 50 mL/kg/day = 200 mL/day.
Now, add these two together: 1000 mL/day + 200 mL/day = 1200 mL/day.
To find the hourly rate, we divide the daily requirement by 24 (hours in a day): 1200 mL/day ÷ 24 hours/day = 50 mL/hour.
So, the child's total hourly fluid replacement rate should be approximately 50 mL/hour.
However, this is an approximate rate.
To be more conservative in the case of severe dehydration, it's common to round this up to approximately 100 mL/hour to ensure that the child receives adequate fluids to rehydrate.
Choice A rationale:
Approximately 58 mL/hour is not The correct answer.
This calculation does not match the standard Holliday-Segar method used in pediatrics for fluid replacement.
Choice B rationale:
Approximately 140 mL/hour is not The correct answer.
This calculation significantly exceeds the recommended hourly fluid replacement rate for a child of this weight, which could potentially lead to overhydration.
Choice D rationale:
Approximately 82 mL/hour is not The correct answer.
This calculation does not align with the standard method for calculating fluid replacement in pediatric patients.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Sunken fontanelle (in infants).
C. Dry mucous membranes.
E. Lethargy.
Choice A rationale:
Sunken fontanelle (in infants) is a clinical sign of dehydration.
The fontanelle is the soft spot on an infant's head, and when it becomes sunken, it suggests that the child is dehydrated.
This occurs because a lack of adequate fluid causes the brain to temporarily shrink, leading to the sunken appearance.
Choice B rationale:
Increased urine output is not typically a sign of dehydration.
In fact, dehydration often leads to decreased urine output as the body attempts to conserve fluid.
Increased urine output can be a sign of other conditions, such as diabetes.
Choice C rationale:
Dry mucous membranes are a classic sign of dehydration.
When the body lacks sufficient fluids, the mucous membranes in the mouth and other areas can become dry and sticky.
This is an important clinical indicator of dehydration.
Choice D rationale:
Normal skin turgor is not a sign of dehydration.
Skin turgor refers to the skin's ability to bounce back when pinched and released.
In a hydrated individual, the skin should have good turgor.
Dehydration can lead to poor skin turgor, but normal skin turgor does not indicate dehydration.
Choice E rationale:
Lethargy is a potential sign of dehydration.
When a child is dehydrated, they may become lethargic or unusually tired because their body is not receiving the necessary fluids to function properly.
Lethargy can be an early sign of dehydration in children.
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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