A nurse is admitting an infant who has severe dehydration from acute gastroenteritis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

The correct answer is Choice A.

Choice A rationale

A 13% weight loss indicates severe dehydration. Dehydration is classified based on the percentage of body weight lost, with severe dehydration being more than 10%6.

Choice B rationale

A bulging anterior fontanel is a sign of increased intracranial pressure, not dehydration. In dehydration, the fontanel is typically sunken due to fluid loss.

Choice C rationale

Bradypnea, or slow breathing, is not a common sign of dehydration. Dehydration often leads to tachypnea, or rapid breathing, as the body tries to compensate for fluid loss.

Choice D rationale

A capillary refill time of 3 seconds is within normal limits. In severe dehydration, capillary refill time is usually prolonged, indicating poor perfusion.