A nurse is caring for a year-old child who has a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and is distressed.
The nurse recognizes that which of the following therapeutic actions will help improve the child’s cooperation?

Choice A rationale

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. However, a 2-year-old child may not have the cognitive ability to develop PTSD as it requires a certain level of cognitive and psychological development.

Choice B rationale

While separation anxiety is a normal stage of development for infants and toddlers, a 2-year- old child in a burn unit is more likely to be afraid of the pain associated with wound dressing changes rather than being separated from his/her parents.

Choice C rationale

Fear of permanent scarring could be a concern for older children and adults who are more aware of their body image. A 2-year-old child may not have the cognitive ability to understand the concept of permanent scarring.

Choice D rationale

The child is likely worried about the pain associated with the procedure. Pain experienced by patients is likely to increase during procedures such as dressing changes. This is a common and immediate fear for children undergoing medical procedures, especially those associated with pain.

Choice A rationale

Dehydration in infants can be a serious medical concern if not addressed quickly. It can be caused by various factors such as vomiting or diarrhea, or if the baby is not nursing well. The most common signs of dehydration in babies include concentrated urine that looks very dark yellow or orange, constipation, dry lips, dry mouth, dry mucous membranes, excessive sleepiness, irritability, less than six wet diapers in a 24-hour period, no interest in taking a bottle or breastfeeding, no tears when crying, paleness, sunken fontanelle (soft spot) on their head, and wrinkled skin. If the nurse observes these signs and symptoms in the infant, along

with the intake and output record from the previous 8 hours, the nurse might determine that the patient is dehydrated during the shift.

Choice B rationale

If the infant shows signs of improvement such as increased urine output, normal skin turgor, moist mucous membranes, and the infant is alert and active, then the nurse might determine that the patient is improving as anticipated. However, without specific details about the infant’s condition, it’s difficult to definitively say that this is the case.

Choice C rationale

Fluid volume excess, also known as fluid overload, occurs when the body has too much water and electrolytes. Symptoms can include swelling in the hands, feet, ankles, or abdomen, weight gain, high blood pressure, and shortness of breath. If the nurse observes these symptoms in the infant, along with the intake and output record from the previous 8 hours, the nurse might determine that the patient has fluid volume excess. However, given the information provided, this does not seem to be the most likely scenario.

Choice D rationale

If the infant’s vital signs are stable, the infant is alert and active, and there are no significant changes in the infant’s condition, the nurse might determine that the patient’s condition is stable. However, without specific details about the infant’s condition, it’s difficult to definitively say that this is the case.