A nurse is assessing a child who has rhabdomyosarcoma of the nasopharynx. What is an expected finding for this malignancy?

Choice A reason: Blood pressure is not the most reliable indicator of fluid loss, as it can be affected by many other factors, such as cardiac output, vascular resistance, and blood volume. Blood pressure may not change significantly until the fluid loss is severe and the compensatory mechanisms are overwhelmed.

Choice B reason: Respiratory rate is not the most reliable indicator of fluid loss, as it can be affected by many other factors, such as oxygen demand, carbon dioxide levels, acid-base balance, and respiratory infections. Respiratory rate may increase as a result of fluid loss, but it is not a specific or sensitive sign.

Choice C reason: Skin integrity is not the most reliable indicator of fluid loss, as it can be affected by many other factors, such as age, nutrition, hydration, and skin diseases. Skin integrity may deteriorate as a result of fluid loss, but it is not a quantitative or objective measure.

Choice D reason: Body weight is the most reliable indicator of fluid loss, as it reflects the changes in the total body water and electrolytes. Body weight can be measured easily and accurately, and it can be compared with the previous or baseline values. A loss of more than 5% of the body weight indicates moderate dehydration, and a loss of more than 10% indicates severe dehydration.

Choice A reason: Increased appetite is not a common finding in children with brain tumors. On the contrary, they may have decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, or weight loss due to increased intracranial pressure or tumor location.

Choice B reason: Negative Babinski reflex is a normal finding in children over 2 years old and adults. It means that the toes curl downward when the sole of the foot is stimulated. A positive Babinski reflex, which means that the big toe moves upward and the other toes fan outward, is a sign of damage to the corticospinal tract, which may be caused by a brain tumor.

Choice C reason: Tachycardia, or rapid heart rate, is not a specific finding for brain tumors. It may be caused by many factors, such as fever, pain, anxiety, dehydration, or medications. However, some brain tumors may affect the autonomic nervous system, which regulates the heart rate, and cause bradycardia, or slow heart rate.

Choice D reason: Hyporeflexia, or diminished reflexes, is a possible finding in children with brain tumors. It indicates a dysfunction of the lower motor neurons, which may be affected by the tumor or the increased intracranial pressure. Hyporeflexia may manifest as weakness, numbness, or decreased muscle tone in the affected limbs.