A nurse is caring for a school-age child who is taking valproic acid. The nurse should expect the provider to order which of the following diagnostic tests?

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.

- A. Calories is incorrect. Clients with Crohn's disease and enteroenteric fistula need adequate calories to prevent malnutrition and weight loss due to inflammation, malabsorption, and increased metabolic rate.

- B. Protein is incorrect. Clients with Crohn's disease and enteroenteric fistula need adequate protein to promote tissue healing and prevent protein-losing enteropathy.

- C. Potassium is incorrect. Clients with Crohn's disease and enteroenteric fistula are at risk of hypokalemia due to diarrhea, vomiting, and fistula drainage. They need to increase their potassium intake to prevent electrolyte imbalance and cardiac complications.

- D. Fiber is correct. Clients with Crohn's disease and enteroenteric fistula should decrease their fiber intake to reduce intestinal motility, bulk, and gas production, which can worsen the inflammation and fistula formation.