A nurse is providing education to the parent of a school-age child who has asthma. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A: Incorrect. Aspirin can trigger asthma attacks in some children and should be avoided.

B: Incorrect. The peak expiratory flow meter should be used daily, not just when the child has symptoms, and the highest reading should be recorded, not the average.

C: Incorrect. Carpet can harbor dust mites, mold, and other allergens that can worsen asthma. It is better to have hardwood or tile floors and washable rugs.

D: Correct. Influenza immunization can prevent serious complications from respiratory infections in children with asthma.

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.