A nurse is caring for a child who has dehydration. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Hct 45%.
Urine specific gravity 1.035.
Capillary refill less than 2 seconds.
Urine output 35 ml/hr.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Hct 45% (Choice A) refers to the hematocrit level, which measures the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells. While dehydration can lead to elevated hematocrit due to hemoconcentration, a hematocrit value of 45% is within the normal range for both males and females. Dehydration might cause a mild increase, but more significant elevations would be expected in cases of severe dehydration.
Choice B rationale:
Urine specific gravity 1.035 (Choice B) is an indicator of concentrated urine, which is a characteristic finding in dehydration. Dehydration reduces the body's water content, leading to more concentrated urine with higher specific gravity values. A normal range for urine-specific gravity is typically between 1.005 and 1.030.
Choice C rationale:
Capillary refill of less than 2 seconds (Choice C) is not a finding consistent with dehydration. Capillary refill time measures the time it takes for color to return to the nailbed after pressure is applied. Prolonged capillary refill time might indicate poor peripheral perfusion, which can be a sign of dehydration, but a refill time of less than 2 seconds is considered within the normal range.
Choice D rationale:
A urine output of 35 ml/hr (Choice D) is not indicative of dehydration. In fact, a urine output of 35 ml/hr is relatively normal and suggests adequate fluid intake and hydration. Dehydration would typically result in reduced urine output as the body conserves water.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Obtain the specimen by swabbing the infant's rectum using a sterile culture swab. This is the correct choice. When collecting a stool specimen from an infant, the rectal swab method is commonly used. A sterile culture swab helps prevent contamination and ensures accurate results for detecting the presence of ova and parasites in the stool.

Choice B rationale:
Place a urine collection device on the infant until the specimen is obtained. This choice is not appropriate for collecting a stool specimen. A urine collection device is used for collecting urine, not stool. The specimen for ova and parasites needs to be taken directly from the rectum or diaper to accurately identify any infestations.
Choice C rationale:
Transfer the specimen to the collection container using povidone-iodine-soaked gauze. While povidone-iodine is an antiseptic, it is not typically used to transfer stool specimens. Using a sterile swab or a clean, dry container is more suitable for collecting and transporting stool samples to the lab.
Choice D rationale:
Maintain the specimen at room temperature after collection until it is transferred to the lab. Stool specimens for ova and parasites usually require refrigeration to prevent the degradation and growth of potential pathogens. Room temperature might lead to the overgrowth of bacteria and parasites, affecting the accuracy of test results.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Ensuring the infant bottle feeds for 45 minutes is not recommended for an infant with heart failure. Prolonged feeding sessions can lead to increased fatigue and stress on the infant's cardiovascular system, exacerbating the heart failure symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Administering digoxin for a pulse of 70/min is not appropriate. Digoxin is commonly used in heart failure cases to improve cardiac contractility and reduce heart rate. However, giving digoxin solely based on the heart rate without considering other factors can lead to potential overdose and adverse effects.
Choice C rationale:
(Correct Choice) Allowing for frequent rest periods is crucial in the plan of care for an infant with heart failure. Infants with heart failure often experience fatigue and difficulty feeding due to compromised cardiac function. Allowing them to rest between activities helps conserve energy and supports their overall well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Maintaining the infant in a supine position is not the best choice for an infant with heart failure. While the supine position is recommended for safe sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), it may not be optimal for an infant with heart failure. An inclined position may be more suitable to alleviate potential respiratory distress.
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