A nurse is caring for an 8-month-old child admitted with dehydration. Which of the following client findings indicates that oral rehydration therapy has been effective? (Select all that apply)
Specific gravity of 1.010
Moist mucous membranes
Capillary refill less than 3 seconds
Sunken anterior fontanelle
Heart rate of 146/min
Correct Answer : A
Choice A reason:
A specific gravity of 1.010 indicates that the child’s urine is adequately diluted, suggesting proper hydration. Normal urine specific gravity ranges from 1.005 to 1.030. A value of 1.010 falls within this range and indicates that the kidneys are functioning well and the child is not dehydrated.
Choice B reason:
Moist mucous membranes are a sign of adequate hydration. When a child is well-hydrated, the mucous membranes in the mouth and other areas remain moist. This is a positive indicator that oral rehydration therapy has been effective in restoring the child’s fluid balance.
Choice C reason:
Capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds is another indicator of proper hydration and good peripheral perfusion. This means that the blood is circulating well throughout the body, and the tissues are receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients. A capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds is considered normal and suggests effective rehydration.
Choice D reason:
A sunken anterior fontanelle is a sign of dehydration in infants. When the fontanelle is sunken, it indicates that the child has lost a significant amount of fluid. Therefore, this finding does not indicate that oral rehydration therapy has been effective. Instead, it suggests that the child may still be dehydrated.
Choice E reason:
A heart rate of 146/min is elevated for an 8-month-old child1. Normal heart rates for infants range from 80 to 160 beats per minute. While this heart rate is within the upper limit of normal, it can also be a sign of dehydration or other stressors. Therefore, it is not a definitive indicator of effective rehydration therapy.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Marbles are not a safe play activity for a 3-year-old in a spica cast. Marbles are small and can pose a choking hazard. Additionally, playing with marbles requires fine motor skills and movement that may be restricted by the cast.
Choice B Reason:
Watching a movie is a safe activity but does not provide developmental benefits. While it can keep the child entertained, it does not engage the child in active play or promote cognitive and motor development.
Choice C Reason:
A game of checkers may be too advanced for a 3-year-old. It requires understanding of rules and strategic thinking, which may be beyond the developmental stage of a child this age. Additionally, it may not be engaging enough to hold the child’s attention.
Choice D Reason:
Playing with a toy telephone is an appropriate activity for a 3-year-old in a spica cast. It is safe and can be done while the child is in a stationary position. This activity encourages imaginative play and can help with language development and social skills.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Compartment syndrome is a condition where increased pressure within a muscle compartment leads to decreased blood flow, which can cause muscle and nerve damage. It is typically associated with severe trauma, fractures, or crush injuries. The symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and decreased sensation or movement in the affected limb. In this case, the child’s symptoms of redness, swelling, and tenderness following a spider bite, along with an elevated WBC, are more indicative of an infection rather than compartment syndrome.
Choice B Reason:
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone, which can occur following an injury or infection elsewhere in the body. The symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain in the affected area, along with fever and elevated WBC. Given the child’s history of a spider bite and the presence of redness, swelling, tenderness, and elevated WBC, osteomyelitis is the most likely diagnosis. The unremarkable X-ray does not rule out osteomyelitis, as early stages of the infection may not show changes on X-ray.
Choice C Reason:
Osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, is a genetic disorder characterized by fragile bones that break easily. It is not associated with infections or elevated WBC. The symptoms of osteogenesis imperfecta include frequent fractures, blue sclerae, and hearing loss. The child’s symptoms of redness, swelling, and tenderness following a spider bite, along with an elevated WBC, are not consistent with osteogenesis imperfecta.
Choice D Reason:
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a type of arthritis that occurs in children. It is characterized by persistent joint inflammation, pain, and swelling. While JIA can cause joint tenderness and swelling, it is not typically associated with a recent injury or infection, such as a spider bite. Additionally, JIA does not usually cause elevated WBC. The child’s symptoms are more indicative of an infection, making osteomyelitis the more likely diagnosis.
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