A nurse on an oncology unit is assessing a child who has a brain tumor. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Blood pressure is not the most reliable indicator of fluid loss, as it can be affected by many other factors, such as cardiac output, vascular resistance, and blood volume. Blood pressure may not change significantly until the fluid loss is severe and the compensatory mechanisms are overwhelmed.

Choice B reason: Respiratory rate is not the most reliable indicator of fluid loss, as it can be affected by many other factors, such as oxygen demand, carbon dioxide levels, acid-base balance, and respiratory infections. Respiratory rate may increase as a result of fluid loss, but it is not a specific or sensitive sign.

Choice C reason: Skin integrity is not the most reliable indicator of fluid loss, as it can be affected by many other factors, such as age, nutrition, hydration, and skin diseases. Skin integrity may deteriorate as a result of fluid loss, but it is not a quantitative or objective measure.

Choice D reason: Body weight is the most reliable indicator of fluid loss, as it reflects the changes in the total body water and electrolytes. Body weight can be measured easily and accurately, and it can be compared with the previous or baseline values. A loss of more than 5% of the body weight indicates moderate dehydration, and a loss of more than 10% indicates severe dehydration.

Choice A reason: A child who has rheumatic fever is a suitable roommate for a child who has leukemia, as rheumatic fever is not a contagious condition, and it does not pose any risk of infection or cross-reaction to the child who has leukemia. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can affect the heart, joints, skin, and brain, and it is caused by a delayed immune response to a streptococcal infection.

Choice B reason: A child recovering from a ruptured appendix is not a suitable roommate for a child who has leukemia, as a ruptured appendix can cause peritonitis, which is a serious infection of the abdominal cavity, and it can be a source of bacteria or fungi that can spread to the child who has leukemia. A child who has leukemia has a compromised immune system and is susceptible to infections.

Choice C reason: A child who has nephrotic syndrome is not a suitable roommate for a child who has leukemia, as nephrotic syndrome can cause edema, proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperlipidemia, and it can be associated with infections, allergies, or autoimmune disorders that can affect the child who has leukemia. A child who has leukemia has a reduced number of blood cells and is prone to bleeding, anemia, and infections.

Choice D reason: A child who has cystic fibrosis is not a suitable roommate for a child who has leukemia, as cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, pancreas, liver, and intestines, and it can cause chronic respiratory infections, malabsorption, and diabetes, which can compromise the health of the child who has leukemia. A child who has leukemia has a weakened immune system and is vulnerable to infections.