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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement does not indicate a risk for rheumatic carditis, but rather a possible respiratory infection or asthma. Rheumatic carditis is an inflammatory condition of the heart valves that can result from untreated streptococcal pharyngitis.
Choice B reason: This statement does not indicate a risk for rheumatic carditis, but rather a sign of heart failure. Dyspnea, tachypnea, and hypoxia are common manifestations of heart failure in children with congenital heart defects.
Choice C reason: This statement does not indicate a risk for rheumatic carditis, but rather a normal finding for a client who has an IV access. A peripheral saline lock is used to administer fluids and medications as needed, and it should be monitored for signs of infection, infiltration, or phlebitis.
Choice D reason: This statement indicates a risk for rheumatic carditis, as lower extremity edema and decreased skin pigmentation are signs of erythema marginatum, a characteristic rash that occurs in some cases of rheumatic fever. Erythema marginatum is a pink or red rash that spreads from the trunk to the extremities, and it may fade and reappear with changes in temperature.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Including fluoridated water in the toddler's diet is not a method of preventing iron deficiency anemia. Fluoride is beneficial for dental health, but it does not affect iron levels in the blood.
Choice B reason: Avoiding a diet that consists primarily of milk is a method of preventing iron deficiency anemia. Milk is low in iron and can interfere with iron absorption from other foods. It can also cause gastrointestinal bleeding in some children, leading to iron loss. The nurse should teach the parents to limit milk intake to no more than 24 ounces per day and offer iron-rich foods such as meat, eggs, beans, and green leafy vegetables.
Choice C reason: Administering fat-soluble vitamins daily is not a method of preventing iron deficiency anemia. Fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are stored in the body and do not need to be taken daily. They do not affect iron levels in the blood.
Choice D reason: Limiting intake of high-protein foods is not a method of preventing iron deficiency anemia. High-protein foods are good sources of iron and can help prevent or treat iron deficiency an
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