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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This test will confirm if your child had a recent streptococcal infection, as it measures the level of antibodies that the body produces against the streptolysin O enzyme, which is produced by some strains of streptococcal bacteria. A high ASO titer indicates a recent or current streptococcal infection, which can trigger rheumatic fever in some children.
Choice B reason: This test will not indicate if your child has rheumatic fever, as it does not measure the inflammation or damage to the heart, joints, or other organs that rheumatic fever can cause. Rheumatic fever is diagnosed based on the presence of two major or one major and two minor criteria, as well as evidence of a preceding streptococcal infection.
Choice C reason: This test will not indicate if your child has a therapeutic blood level of an aminoglycoside, as it does not measure the concentration of this type of antibiotic in the blood. Aminoglycosides are used to treat serious infections caused by gram-negative bacteria, and their blood levels need to be monitored to prevent toxicity and ensure efficacy.
Choice D reason: This test will not confirm if your child has immunity to streptococcal bacteria, as it does not measure the level of protective antibodies that can prevent future infections. ASO antibodies are not protective, but rather indicate a past or present exposure to streptococcal bacteria.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
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.
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