A nurse is caring for a toddler who has acute laryngotracheobronchitis and has been placed in a cool mist tent. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the treatment is effective?

Choice A reason: A 13% weight loss is a sign of severe dehydration in infants. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. Acute gastroenteritis can cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to fluid loss and dehydration.

Choice B reason: A bulging anterior fontanel is not a sign of dehydration, but rather a sign of increased intracranial pressure. The anterior fontanel is the soft spot on the top of the infant's head. It should be flat or slightly concave, not bulging or sunken.

Choice C reason: Bradypnea is not a sign of dehydration, but rather a sign of respiratory depression. Bradypnea is abnormally slow breathing, usually less than 12 breaths per minute in infants. Dehydration can cause tachypnea, which is abnormally fast breathing, usually more than 60 breaths per minute in infants.

Choice D reason: A capillary refill of 3 seconds is not a sign of dehydration, but rather a sign of normal perfusion. Capillary refill is the time it takes for the color to return to the nail bed after pressing on it. A normal capillary refill is less than 2 seconds. Dehydration can cause delayed capillary refill, which is more than 2 seconds.

Choice A reason: Skin integrity is not a reliable indicator of fluid loss, as it can be affected by other factors such as infection, trauma, or allergy. Skin integrity can be assessed by checking for turgor, elasticity, and color.

Choice B reason: Body weight is a reliable indicator of fluid loss, as it reflects the amount of water and electrolytes in the body. Body weight can be measured by using a calibrated scale and comparing it with the previous or baseline weight.

Choice C reason: Blood pressure is not a reliable indicator of fluid loss, as it can be influenced by other factors such as cardiac output, vascular resistance, and stress. Blood pressure can be measured by using a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope.

Choice D reason: Respiratory rate is not a reliable indicator of fluid loss, as it can be affected by other factors such as oxygen demand, lung function, and airway obstruction. Respiratory rate can be measured by counting the number of breaths per minute.