Calculate a bolus rate (mL/kg/hour) to be given to a severely dehydrated child with diarrhea weighing 23 kg over 60 minutes. The pulse will be checked after the bolus.

Choice A reason:

Cardiac arrhythmia is a primary clinical manifestation of hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia, defined as an elevated level of potassium in the blood, can significantly affect the electrical activity of the heart. This can lead to various types of arrhythmias, including bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia, and even cardiac arrest1. The presence of arrhythmias is a critical indicator of hyperkalemia and requires immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications.

Choice B reason:

Seizures are not typically associated with hyperkalemia2. While severe electrolyte imbalances can potentially lead to neurological symptoms, seizures are more commonly linked to conditions such as hyponatremia (low sodium levels) or hypocalcemia (low calcium levels). Therefore, seizures are not a primary sign of hyperkalemia.

Choice C reason:

Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, can occur in various medical conditions, including heart failure and respiratory disorders. While hyperkalemia can lead to muscle weakness and fatigue, which might indirectly affect breathing, dyspnea is not a primary clinical manifestation of hyperkalemia. The main concern with hyperkalemia is its effect on cardiac function.

Choice D reason:

Oliguria, or reduced urine output, is a symptom of acute renal failure but not specifically indicative of hyperkalemia. While acute renal failure can lead to hyperkalemia due to the kidneys’ inability to excrete potassium, oliguria itself is not a direct sign of hyperkalemia. The focus should be on the cardiac effects of elevated potassium levels

Choice A reason:

A diet consisting of low-fat, low-carbohydrate foods is not specifically recommended for managing severe edema associated with acute glomerulonephritis. While a balanced diet is important, the primary dietary focus should be on reducing sodium intake to prevent fluid retention and manage edema. Therefore, this choice is not the most appropriate recommendation.

Choice B reason:

Decreasing the number of calories in the child’s diet is not a primary recommendation for managing severe edema associated with acute glomerulonephritis. The focus should be on reducing sodium intake rather than calorie restriction. Adequate nutrition is essential for the child’s overall health and recovery1. Therefore, this choice is not the most appropriate recommendation.

Choice C reason:

Avoiding adding salt to the child’s food is a key recommendation for managing severe edema associated with acute glomerulonephritis. Sodium can lead to water retention, which can worsen edema and increase blood pressure. A low-sodium diet helps to reduce fluid retention and manage the symptoms of glomerulonephritis. This is the most appropriate dietary recommendation for managing severe edema in this condition.

Choice D reason:

Increasing the amount of protein in the child’s diet is not recommended for managing severe edema associated with acute glomerulonephritis1. In fact, protein intake may need to be monitored and possibly restricted to prevent the buildup of waste products in the blood1. The primary dietary focus should be on reducing sodium intake to manage edema. Therefore, this choice is not the most appropriate recommendation.