A client who has been diagnosed with mild hyponatremia and has experienced gastric fluid loss from vomiting is about to receive Half Normal Saline (0.45% NaCl).
This intravenous fluid contains Sodium 77 mEq/L and Chloride 77 mEq/L.
It is contraindicated in cases of hypovolemia, hyponatremia, increased intracranial pressure, liver disease, trauma, and burns.
What should the client say to demonstrate understanding of the treatment plan?

The correct answer is B. Shakiness.

Choice A: Increased capillary refill Capillary refill time (CRT) is a simple and quick test requiring minimal equipment or time to perform. Prolonged CRT is a ‘red flag’ feature, identifying children with increased risk of significant morbidity or mortality. A normal CRT should be between 2-3 seconds when applied centrally, such as to the sternum or the forehead. Therefore, increased capillary refill is not typically associated with hypoglycemia.

Choice B: Shakiness Shakiness, or tremors, are rhythmic shaking movements that most often happen in the hands, but can also occur in the arms, legs, head, vocal cords, and torso. Tremors can occur while a child is resting or active. Shakiness is a common symptom of hypoglycemia.

Choice C: Thirst While it’s true that excessive thirst can be a sign of diabetes, it’s a tricky one when the patient is a child. Young children often drink plenty of fluids when they are perfectly healthy. However, thirst is typically associated with hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia.

Choice D: Decreased appetite Loss of appetite (anorexia) is a common symptom in children. Acute illness in childhood is often associated with transient loss of appetite. However, decreased appetite is not typically a direct symptom of hypoglycemia.

Choice A rationale:

"Height and weight.”.

Rationale: While monitoring height and weight is important for a child's growth and development, these parameters are not the primary vital signs to assess dehydration.

Dehydration assessment focuses on immediate physiological indicators, such as heart rate and blood pressure.

Choice B rationale:

"Heart rate and blood pressure.”.

Rationale: This is The correct answer.

When assessing a dehydrated child, monitoring vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure is crucial.

Dehydration can lead to an increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure.

These parameters provide valuable information about the child's circulatory status and fluid balance.

Choice C rationale:

"Hair and eye color.”.

Rationale: Hair and eye color are not relevant parameters for assessing dehydration.

They are genetic traits and do not change in response to dehydration.

Choice D rationale:

"Shoe size and clothing size.”.

Rationale: Shoe size and clothing size are not relevant for assessing dehydration.

These measurements are related to a child's growth and body structure but do not provide information about their hydration status.