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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C"}
Explanation
Total calcium 8.0 mg/dL (9.0 to 10.5 mg/dL) is correct.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
- a. The last time the provider evaluated the client:This information helps the receiving nurse stay updated on the client's clinical status and recent provider recommendations.
- b. The client's most recent ventilator settings:The client's most recent ventilator settings (B) would no longer be relevant if the client has been successfully weaned off mechanical ventilation.
- c. The time of the client's last dose of pain medication:This helps manage the client's pain effectively and prevent potential withdrawal symptoms.
d. This information is not clinically relevant for the next nurse’s shift. While the frequency of call button use may reflect a client's needs or comfort level, it is not a priority for safe, evidence-based clinical care and does not impact the client’s medical treatment or condition.
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