A nurse is caring for an infant who has gastroenteritis.
Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Sunken fontanels and dry mucous membranes
Temperature 38° C (100.4° F) and pulse rate 124/min.
Decreased appetite and irritability.
Pale and a 24-hr fluid deficit of 30 mL.
The Correct Answer is A
These are signs of severe dehydration in an infant, which can be life-threatening and should be reported to the provider immediately. The infant may need intravenous fluids and electrolytes to restore hydration and prevent complications.
Choice B is wrong because a temperature of 38° C (100.4° F) and pulse rate of 124/min are not abnormal for an infant and do not indicate severe dehydration. These are common findings in an infant who has gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasite.
Choice C is wrong because decreased appetite and irritability are also common findings in an infant who has gastroenteritis, but they do not indicate severe dehydration. The nurse should encourage oral rehydration with fluids such as breast milk, formula, or oral electrolyte solution.
Choice D is wrong because pale skin and a 24-hr fluid deficit of 30 mL are not signs of severe dehydration in an infant.
A fluid deficit of 30 mL is less than 1 oz and is not significant for an infant who weighs about 10 kg (22 lbs). A fluid deficit of more than 10% of body weight would indicate severe dehydration.
Normal ranges for vital signs in infants are as follows:
- Temperature: 36.5° C to 37.5° C (97.7° F to 99.5° F)
- Pulse rate: 100 to 160/min
- Respiratory rate: 30 to 60/min
- Blood pressure: 65/41 to 100/50 mm Hg
Normal ranges for fluid intake and output in infants are as follows:
- Fluid intake: 100 to 150 mL/kg/day
- Fluid output: 1 to 2 mL/kg/hr
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choiceb. Instruct the client to notify the provider if diarrhea develops.
Choice A rationale:
Infusing penicillin G over 10 minutes is not recommended as it may cause adverse reactions.The infusion rate should be based on the specific guidelines for the medication and patient condition.
Choice B rationale:
Diarrhea can be a sign of a serious side effect called Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, which can occur with antibiotic use.It is important for the client to notify the provider if this symptom develops.
Choice C rationale:
Penicillin G should be stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which typically do not include refrigeration after reconstitution.Incorrect storage can affect the medication’s efficacy.
Choice D rationale:
Checking for a sulfa allergy is not relevant for penicillin G administration.Sulfa allergies are related to sulfonamide antibiotics, not penicillins.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Using an electronic messaging system to remind clients when to take medications. Tertiary prevention in healthcare involves measures taken to reduce the impact of an ongoing illness or injury that has lasting effects. This is done by helping people manage long-term, often-complex health problems and injuries in order to improve as much as possible their ability to function, their quality of life, and their life expectancy. In the context of an HIV clinic, reminding clients to take their medications can help manage the disease effectively and prevent complications.
Choice A rationale:
Educating clients about contraindications to specific immunizations is incorrect because this is more aligned with primary prevention, which aims to prevent the onset of an illness or injury before the disease process begins.
Choice C rationale:
Providing clients with information about the benefits of exercise is incorrect as this is generally considered a part of primary prevention, promoting general health to prevent various diseases.
Choice D rationale:
Helping clients understand health screenings covered by their insurance plans is incorrect because this is typically associated with secondary prevention, which involves screening to identify diseases in the earliest stages.
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