A nurse is caring for a pediatric patient with suspected dehydration.
The child presents with diarrhea and vomiting.
What clinical manifestations would the nurse expect to observe in this patient?
Thirst and dry mouth.
Rapid heart rate and low blood pressure.
Sunken eyes and fontanelle in infants.
Lethargy and irritability.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Thirst and dry mouth are common signs of dehydration in adults, but in pediatric patients, especially infants, the signs are different.
Children may not be able to communicate their thirst effectively, and dry mouth might not be as noticeable as other signs.
Choice B rationale:
Rapid heart rate and low blood pressure are symptoms of shock, which can occur in severe dehydration.
However, these symptoms are not specific to dehydration and can be present in other conditions.
Sunken eyes and fontanelle in infants are more specific indicators of dehydration in pediatric patients.
Sunken eyes occur due to loss of tissue turgor, and a sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on an infant's head) is a late sign of dehydration.
Choice D rationale:
Lethargy and irritability can be signs of dehydration, but they are nonspecific and can occur in various pediatric conditions.
Sunken eyes and fontanelle, on the other hand, are more specific to dehydration, especially in infants.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Lactated Ringer's solution is not contraindicated in cases of hyperkalemia.
This solution contains potassium in a relatively low concentration of 4 mEq/L, which is unlikely to significantly impact hyperkalemia.
Choice B rationale:
Lactated Ringer's solution can be contraindicated in cases of hypokalemia.
While it does contain potassium, the concentration is relatively low at 4 mEq/L.
In cases of severe hypokalemia, a more potassium-rich solution might be preferred.
Choice C rationale:
Lactated Ringer's solution can be used in cases of lower GI fluid loss.
It can help replace lost fluids and electrolytes effectively.
Choice D rationale:
Lactated Ringer's solution can be used in cases of upper GI fluid loss.
It helps restore lost fluids and electrolytes.
Choice E rationale:
Lactated Ringer's solution is not contraindicated in cases of lactic acidosis.
In fact, it contains lactate (28 mEq/L), which can be metabolized to bicarbonate and help correct acidosis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
“Severe dehydration, which is ≥10% loss of body weight.”.
Choice A rationale:
Mild dehydration is typically classified as a 3-5% loss of body weight.
The signs and symptoms described in the scenario, such as dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output, and decreased skin turgor, are indicative of more severe dehydration than a 3-5% loss.
Choice B rationale:
Moderate dehydration is generally considered to be a 6-9% loss of body weight.
However, the signs and symptoms presented in the scenario suggest a more severe state of dehydration.
Choice C rationale:
Severe dehydration is classified as a loss of ≥10% of body weight.
The signs and symptoms observed by the nurse, including dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output, and decreased skin turgor, are consistent with severe dehydration, making choice C The correct classification.
Choice D rationale:
No dehydration is defined as less than a 3% loss of body weight.
The clinical manifestations observed in the child, as described in the scenario, clearly indicate dehydration.
In this case, the child's signs and symptoms align with the classification of severe dehydration, which is characterized by a loss of ≥10% of body weight.
These symptoms include dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output, and decreased skin turgor.
It's crucial to recognize the severity of dehydration accurately to initiate the appropriate treatment and prevent complications.
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