A child is hospitalized after a serious motor vehicle crash and has developed increased urination. What action by the nurse takes priority?

The statement that best describes why infants are at greater risk for dehydration than older children is option B. Infants have an increased extracellular fluid volume compared to older children. This means that a larger proportion of their total body fluid is located outside the cells, in the extracellular compartment. This higher extracellular fluid volume makes infants more susceptible to fluid losses and dehydration if they experience inadequate fluid intake or increased fluid losses.

infants have an increased ability to concentrate urine in (option A), is incorrect. Infants have limited renal function and may have difficulty concentrating urine compared to older children and adults. This can contribute to a higher risk of dehydration in infants.

infants have a greater volume of intracellular fluid in (option C), is incorrect. The volume of intracellular fluid is not the primary factor contributing to the increased risk of dehydration in infants.

infants have a smaller body surface area in (option D) is incorrect because it, is not directly related to the increased risk of dehydration. Body surface area influences heat exchange and fluid loss through sweating but is not the main factor contributing to the higher risk of dehydration in infants.

When the skin surface is caked with desquamated skin and sebaceous secretions after the removal of a cast, the nurse should suggest washing the area with warm water and soap. This will help to gently cleanse the skin and remove the accumulated material without causing unnecessary trauma or irritation.

Option A, applying powder to absorb the material, may not effectively remove the caked material and could potentially lead to further clumping or discomfort.

Option B, vigorously scrubbing the leg, can be harsh on the skin and may cause skin irritation, redness, or even abrasions. It is important to be gentle and avoid excessive scrubbing, especially on the fragile and recently exposed skin.

Option C, carefully picking the material off the leg, can increase the risk of skin injury or introduce bacteria into the skin. Picking at the skin should be avoided to prevent further damage or infection.

Therefore, option D, washing the area with warm water and soap, is the most appropriate and gentle method to remove the caked material from the skin surface