A nurse is caring for an infant who has gastroenteritis.
Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Sunken fontanels and dry mucous membranes.
Temperature 38° C (100.4° F) and pulse rate 124/min.
Decreased appetite and irritability.
Pale and a 24-hr fluid deficit of 30 mL.
The Correct Answer is A
These are signs of severe dehydration in an infant, which can be life-threatening and should be reported to the provider immediately. The infant may need intravenous fluids and electrolytes to restore hydration and prevent complications.
Choice B is wrong because a temperature of 38° C (100.4° F) and a pulse rate of 124/min are not abnormal for an infant and do not indicate severe dehydration. These are common findings in an infant who has gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasite.
Choice C is wrong because decreased appetite and irritability are also common findings in an infant who has gastroenteritis, but they do not indicate severe dehydration. The nurse should encourage oral rehydration with fluids such as breast milk, formula, or oral electrolyte solution.
Choice D is wrong because pale skin and a 24-hr fluid deficit of 30 mL are not signs of severe dehydration in an infant.
A fluid deficit of 30 mL is less than 1 oz and is not significant for an infant who weighs about 10 kg (22 lbs). A fluid deficit of more than 10% of body weight would indicate severe dehydration.
Normal ranges for vital signs in infants are as follows:
• Temperature: 36.5° C to 37.5° C (97.7° F to 99.5° F)
• Pulse rate: 100 to 160/min
• Respiratory rate: 30 to 60/min
• Blood pressure: 65/41 to 100/50 mm Hg
Normal ranges for fluid intake and output in infants are as follows:
• Fluid intake: 100 to 150 mL/kg/day
• Fluid output: 1 to 2 mL/kg/hr
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is because the first priority for the nurse is to assess the cause of the vomiting and ensure that the NG tube is working properly. If the suction device is malfunctioning, it could lead to gastric distension, nausea and vomiting. The nurse should check the suction settings, tubing, canister and connections for any problems.
Choice A is wrong because replacing the NG tube is not the first action to take.
The nurse should first rule out other causes of vomiting before attempting to reinsert the tube, which could be uncomfortable and risky for the client.
Choice B is wrong because providing oral hygiene care is not the most urgent action to take.
While oral hygiene care is important for comfort and infection prevention, it does not address the underlying cause of vomiting or prevent further complications.
Choice C is wrong because administering an antiemetic medication is not the most appropriate action to take.
The nurse should first identify the cause of vomiting and correct it if possible.
Giving an antiemetic medication without resolving the problem could mask symptoms and delay treatment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells in the urine, which can make it appear pink or cola-colored. Hematuria is a common sign of glomerulonephritis, which is inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys (glomeruli) that remove waste and excess fluid from the blood. Hematuria occurs because the inflamed glomeruli allow some blood cells to leak into the urine.
Choice B is wrong because polyuria is the production of abnormally large amounts of urine. Polyuria is not a typical feature of acute glomerulonephritis, which may actually cause reduced urine output due to fluid retention and decreased kidney function.
Choice C is wrong because weight loss is not a common symptom of acute glomerulonephritis. On the contrary, weight gain may occur due to fluid retention and edema (swelling) in the face, hands, feet and abdomen.
Choice D is wrong because hypotension is low blood pressure. Hypotension is not usually associated with acute glomerulonephritis, which may cause high blood pressure (hypertension) due to fluid overload and impaired sodium excretion by the kidneys.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are less than 120/80 mmHg for adults. Normal ranges for urine output are about 800 to 2000 mL per day for adults.
Normal ranges for protein in the urine are less than 150 mg per day for adults. Normal ranges for red blood cells in the urine are less than 3 per high-power field for men and less than 5 per high-power field for women.
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