A nurse is caring for a 3-year-old toddler who has dehydration.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Sodium 142 mEq/L.
Respiratory rate 22/min.
Potassium 3.9 mEq/L.
Heart rate 148/min.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Sodium level of 142 mEq/L is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L) for adults. However, normal ranges for children might vary slightly, but 142 mEq/L is not indicative of dehydration on its own.
Choice B rationale:
Respiratory rate of 22/min is within the normal range for a 3-year-old child (20-30 breaths/min) This rate alone does not provide evidence of dehydration.
Choice C rationale:
Potassium level of 3.9 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.1 mEq/L) for children. Like sodium, normal ranges for potassium may differ slightly in pediatric patients, but 3.9 mEq/L is not alarming on its own.
Choice D rationale:
Heart rate of 148/min is elevated for a 3-year-old child. Tachycardia is a common sign of dehydration in pediatric patients. This increased heart rate indicates the body's compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output in response to decreased blood volume, a typical consequence of dehydration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Option A. Instruct the client to void, because this reduces the risk of bladder injury during the procedure. The other options are incorrect because they are not necessary or appropriate for a paracentesis.
Option B, position the client on their left side, is incorrect because the client should be positioned upright or semi-Fowler's to allow gravity to assist with fluid drainage.
Option C, insert an IV catheter, is incorrect because an IV catheter is not required for a paracentesis unless the client needs fluid replacement or medication administration.
Option D, prepare the client for moderate (conscious) sedation, is incorrect because a paracentesis is usually performed under local anesthesia and does not require sedation
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Ask the partner to list specific concerns.
- A. Evaluate the changes the partner requests: This is incorrect because it is not the first action to take. The charge nurse should first listen to and acknowledge the partner's complaints before evaluating any changes or solutions.
- B. Review the client's plan of care: This is incorrect because it is not the first action to take. The charge nurse should first understand what aspects of care are unsatisfactory for the partner and why they feel that way.
- C. Analyze other reports of poor care to look for trends: This is incorrect because it is not relevant to this situation. The charge nurse should focus on addressing this specific case of dissatisfaction rather than looking for general patterns or issues.
- D. Ask the partner to list specific concerns: This is correct because it shows respect and empathy for the partner and allows for clarification and communication of their expectations and needs. It also helps identify any gaps or misunderstandings in the client's care and facilitates problem-solving and resolution.
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