A 38-year-old man has come into the urgent care center with severe hip pain after falling from a ladder at work. He says he has taken several pain pills over the past few hours but cannot remember how many he has taken. He hands the nurse an empty bottle of acetaminophen (Tylenol). The nurse is aware that the most serious toxic effect of acute acetaminophen overdose is which condition?

Choice A reason: This statement is false. A sugar-water pacifier does not help the vaccination be more effective. Vaccinations are effective because they stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against a specific disease.

Choice B reason: This statement is false. A sugar-water pacifier does not prevent hypoglycemia from the stress of the injection. Hypoglycemia is a condition where the blood sugar level is too low, which can cause symptoms such as sweating, trembling, confusion, or seizures. A sugar-water pacifier does not provide enough glucose to prevent hypoglycemia.

Choice C reason: This statement is false. A sugar-water pacifier does not provide additional calories to prevent malnourishment. Malnourishment is a condition where the body does not get enough nutrients, such as protein, vitamins, and minerals, to function properly. A sugar-water pacifier does not provide enough nutrients to prevent malnourishment.

Choice D reason: This statement is true. A sugar-water pacifier soothes and distracts the infant from pain. Sugar-water has a sweet taste that activates the endorphin system, which reduces pain perception. A pacifier also provides oral stimulation and comfort, which distracts the infant from the pain of the injection.

Choice A reason: This statement is false. Edema is a sign of fluid overload, not fluid deficit. Edema occurs when fluid accumulates in the interstitial space due to increased capillary hydrostatic pressure or decreased plasma oncotic pressure. Edema is more common in patients with heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease¹.

Choice B reason: This statement is false. Skin turgor is a measure of skin elasticity and hydration. It can be affected by factors such as age, skin condition, and ambient temperature. Skin turgor is not a reliable indicator of fluid balance, as it can be normal in patients with mild to moderate hypovolemia².

Choice C reason: This statement is false. Urine output is a measure of kidney function and fluid excretion. It can be influenced by factors such as fluid intake, diuretics, hormones, and renal diseases. Urine output is not a sensitive indicator of fluid balance, as it can be normal or even increased in patients with hypovolemia due to compensatory mechanisms.

Choice D reason: This statement is true. Daily weight is a measure of body mass and fluid status. It can reflect changes in fluid balance more accurately than other methods, as long as the weight is measured at the same time, on the same scale, and with the same clothing each day. A decrease in weight can indicate fluid loss due to hypovolemia.