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
Choice A rationale:
Irritability is a common withdrawal symptom in newborns exposed to cocaine during pregnancy. Cocaine exposure can lead to irritability, restlessness, and difficulty in consoling the newborn.
Choice B rationale:
Hypotonicity, or decreased muscle tone, is not a common finding associated with cocaine exposure in newborns. Cocaine exposure more commonly results in hypertonicity, where the muscles are tense and rigid.
Choice C rationale:
Decreased auditory startle response is not a typical finding associated with cocaine exposure. Newborns exposed to cocaine may have an exaggerated startle response, which is the opposite of the expected finding in this case.
Choice D rationale:
Increased head circumference is not a characteristic finding associated with cocaine exposure. Cocaine exposure is more likely to cause growth restriction, low birth weight, and microcephaly (small head size) in newborns.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
- A. Diarrhea is not an adverse effect of amitriptyline, which is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Diarrhea may be caused by other factors, such as infection, food intolerance, or stress. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
- B. Frequent urination is not an adverse effect of amitriptyline either. Frequent urination may be a sign of diabetes, urinary tract infection, or other conditions that affect the kidneys or bladder. Therefore, this choice is also incorrect.
- C. Excessive salivation is not an adverse effect of amitriptyline as well. Excessive salivation may be due to increased production of saliva, difficulty swallowing, or mouth irritation. Therefore, this choice is incorrect too.
- D. Blurred vision is an adverse effect of amitriptyline and other TCAs. Amitriptyline can cause anticholinergic effects, such as dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and blurred vision. These effects are more pronounced in older adults and can impair their daily functioning and quality of life. Therefore, this choice is correct and the nurse should identify it as an adverse effect of the medication.
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