A nurse in an emergency department is assessing an infant who is dehydrated. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Irritability
Tetany
slow, bounding pulse
Decreased temperature
The Correct Answer is A
The nurse should expect to find irritability in an infant who is dehydrated. Dehydration in infants can lead to changes in behavior and irritability due to the imbalance in fluid and electrolytes. Other common signs of dehydration in infants may include:
Poor skin turgor (skin tenting)
Sunken fontanelles (soft spots on the baby's head)
Dry mucous membranes (dry mouth and tongue)
Decreased urine output or concentrated urine
Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
Increased respiratory rate
Sunken eyes
Decreased tears when crying
B. Tetany is a condition characterized by involuntary muscle contractions and is more commonly associated with hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) rather than dehydration.
C. A slow, bounding pulse is not typically associated with dehydration. Dehydration often leads to a rapid heart rate (tachycardia) as the body attempts to compensate for the loss of fluid.
D. Decreased temperature is not a typical finding in dehydration. Dehydration can lead to fever in some cases due to an underlying infection, but it does not cause a decrease in body temperature on its own.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Correct answer: A
A. Encourage the parents to rock the infant:Rocking provides comfort and soothing for the infant. It helps reduce anxiety and promotes relaxation during the immediate postoperative period
B. Administer ibuprofen as needed for pain:Administering ibuprofen as needed for pain is not typically recommended for infants under 6 months of age without specific instructions from the healthcare provider. Ibuprofen is generally avoided in young infants due to potential risks of adverse effects, especially in the immediate postoperative period
C. Position the infant on her abdomen: After cleft lip repair surgery, it is generally recommended to position the infant on her back to prevent any pressure on the surgical site and to minimize the risk of infection. Placing the infant on her abdomen may interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
D. Offer the infant a pacifier.
Avoid the use of oral suction or placing objects in the mouth such as a tongue depressor, thermometer, straws, spoons, forks, or pacifiers.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Apex of the heart:The apex of the heart is the preferred site for measuring an infant's heart rate. It is located at the 4th or 5th intercostal space, just medial to the midclavicular line, allowing for accurate auscultation of the heartbeat.
B. Carotid artery:While the carotid artery can be used to assess heart rate in older children and adults, it is not ideal for infants due to the risk of compromising circulation to the brain if pressure is applied too forcefully.
C. Brachial artery:The brachial artery is often used to assess pulse in infants, especially in cases of CPR, but it is not the preferred site for routine heart rate measurement. It may be used when assessing circulation or checking for pulses, but auscultation at the apex is more accurate for heart rate.
D. Radial artery:The radial artery can be difficult to palpate in infants due to their small size and is generally not used for heart rate assessment in this age group. The apex is a more reliable location.
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