A nurse is caring for a 3-year-old child who was admitted with acute diarrhea and dehydration. Which of the following findings indicates that oral rehydration therapy has been effective?
Heart rate 130/min
Urine specific gravity 1.015
Respiratory rate 24/min
Capillary refill less than 3 seconds
None
None
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is: b.
Choice A: Heart rate 130/min
A heart rate of 130 beats per minute (bpm) is considered high for a 3-year-old child. Normal heart rates for children aged 1-3 years typically range from 80 to 120 bpm. While dehydration can cause tachycardia (increased heart rate), a heart rate of 130 bpm does not necessarily indicate effective rehydration.
Choice B: Urine specific gravity 1.015
Urine specific gravity of 1.015 is within the normal range (1.005–1.030) for a hydrated child. Dehydration increases urine concentration (>1.020), but a normalized value like 1.015 shows that ORT has restored fluid balance. UpToDate and NIH studies (e.g., Binder et al., 2014) highlight urine specific gravity as a precise measure of hydration status, making it the strongest indicator of ORT effectiveness.
Choice C: Respiratory rate 24/min
The normal respiratory rate for a 3-year-old child is between 20 and 30 breaths per minute. A respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute is within this normal range. While a normal respiratory rate can indicate improved hydration status, it is not the most specific indicator of effective rehydration therapy.
Choice D: Capillary refill less than 3 seconds
Capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds suggests adequate perfusion, as normal is under 2 seconds. Dehydration may prolong this time, but “less than 3 seconds” could include slightly delayed values (e.g., 2.5 seconds). UpToDate and NIH studies (e.g., Doan et al., 2010) note it as useful but less specific than urine specific gravity for confirming ORT effectiveness.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is the main treatment for Kawasaki disease, as it reduces the inflammation of the blood vessels and the risk of coronary artery aneurysms. IVIG is given as a single infusion over 10 to 12 hours, within the first 10 days of the onset of fever.
Choice B reason: Aspirin is also used to treat Kawasaki disease, as it reduces the fever, pain, and inflammation. However, it is not the first-line treatment, and it is given after IVIG to prevent thrombosis and platelet aggregation. Aspirin is given at a high dose during the acute phase, and then at a low dose until the inflammation subsides.
Choice C reason: Penicillin is not indicated for Kawasaki disease, as it is an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections. Kawasaki disease is not caused by bacteria, but by an unknown trigger that activates the immune system and causes systemic vasculitis.
Choice D reason: Acetaminophen is not effective for Kawasaki disease, as it does not reduce the inflammation or the risk of complications. Acetaminophen may be used to treat mild pain or fever, but it is not the main treatment. Moreover, acetaminophen may mask the fever and delay the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Water is not the best choice for a child who has acute gastroenteritis, as it does not contain the electrolytes and glucose that are lost through vomiting and diarrhea. Water alone can also dilute the blood sodium level and cause hyponatremia.
Choice B reason: Oral rehydration solution is the best choice for a child who has acute gastroenteritis, as it contains the optimal balance of electrolytes and glucose to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. It also helps to restore the intestinal function and prevent acidosis.
Choice C reason: Diluted apple juice is not the best choice for a child who has acute gastroenteritis, as it contains too much sugar and not enough sodium. This can worsen the diarrhea and cause hyperglycemia and hyperosmolar dehydration.
Choice D reason: Milk is not the best choice for a child who has acute gastroenteritis, as it can aggravate the intestinal inflammation and cause lactose intolerance. Milk can also increase the risk of bacterial infection and septicemia.
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