A nursing student sees the nurse dip a pacifier in a sugar-water solution for an infant before administering an intramuscular injection. The nursing student asks why the nurse provided this sugar-water pacifier. The nurse’s appropriate response is: This will:

Choice A reason: Performing an in/out catheterization is not a suitable method to measure urine output for a 10-month old client with dehydration. An in/out catheterization is a procedure where a catheter is inserted into the bladder through the urethra, and the urine is drained and measured. This method is invasive, painful, and carries the risk of infection and trauma. It is usually reserved for clients who have urinary retention or obstruction, or who need a sterile urine sample.

Choice B reason: Inserting a Foley catheter is also not an appropriate method to measure urine output for a 10-month old client with dehydration. A Foley catheter is a type of catheter that stays in the bladder and drains the urine into a collection bag. This method is also invasive, painful, and carries the risk of infection and trauma. It is usually used for clients who have urinary incontinence, surgery, or long-term bed rest.

Choice C reason: Collecting the client's urine in a cup is not a feasible method to measure urine output for a 10-month old client with dehydration. A cup is not a reliable or accurate device to collect and measure urine, especially for a young child who may not be toilet trained or cooperative. It is also difficult to ensure that all the urine is collected in the cup, and that the cup is not contaminated by other fluids or substances.

Choice D reason: Counting the number of wet diapers is the best method to measure urine output for a 10-month old client with dehydration. This method is non-invasive, simple, and practical. It can provide an estimate of the urine volume and frequency, and indicate the hydration status of the child. The nurse should weigh the diapers before and after use, and record the difference in grams. One gram of weight equals one milliliter of urine. The nurse should also observe the color, odor, and concentration of the urine. The normal urine output for a child is 1 to 2 mL/kg/hour.

Choice A reason: Cushing's syndrome is caused by excess cortisol, a type of glucocorticoid hormone, in the body. This can result from overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands, or from prolonged use of corticosteroid medications. Elevated glucocorticoid level is the correct alteration in endocrine function for this condition.

Choice B reason: Decreased aldosterone level is not related to Cushing's syndrome. Aldosterone is another hormone produced by the adrenal glands, but it regulates the balance of sodium and potassium in the body. Decreased aldosterone level can cause low blood pressure, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance.

Choice C reason: Elevated aldosterone secretion is also not related to Cushing's syndrome. Elevated aldosterone secretion can cause high blood pressure, fluid retention, and hypokalemia (low potassium level). This condition is known as hyperaldosteronism or Conn's syndrome.

Choice D reason: Diminished glucocorticoid level is the opposite of Cushing's syndrome. Diminished glucocorticoid level can cause low blood sugar, fatigue, weight loss, and poor stress response. This condition is known as Addison's disease or adrenal insufficiency.