A nurse is caring for an infant who has rotavirus.
Which of the following findings indicates that the infant is moderately dehydrated?

The correct answer is d. Exhibits head lag when pulled to a sitting position.

Choice A: Unable to hold a bottle At around 6 months of age, some babies can hold their own bottle. This is not a concerning finding for a 5-month-old infant. Therefore, this is not the correct answer.

Choice B: Unable to roll from back to abdomen Rolling over often starts around 4-6 months, so it’s not unusual for a 5-month-old to still be developing this skill. Therefore, this is not the correct answer.

Choice C: Absent grasp reflex The grasp reflex is an involuntary movement that your baby starts making in utero and continues doing until around 6 months of age. The grasp reflex lasts until the baby is about 5 to 6 months old. Therefore, this is not the correct answer.

Choice D: Exhibits head lag when pulled to a sitting position By the age of 5 months, most infants have developed enough strength in their neck and upper body to control their head movement. This means they should not exhibit a significant head lag when pulled to a sitting position1. If this is not the case, it could indicate a delay in motor development or a potential neurological issue, which should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation. Therefore, this is the correct answer.

This is because oxygen saturation below 90% indicates that the infant is not getting enough oxygen and central cyanosis (bluish color of the skin due to lack of oxygen) is a sign of severe respiratory distress.

Both of these findings require immediate medical attention.

Choice A is wrong because cough or difficulty in breathing, while concerning, may not require immediate reporting to the provider as they are common symptoms of RSV infection.

Choice C is wrong because severe respiratory distress (e.g grunting, very severe chest indrawing), while concerning, may not require immediate reporting to the provider as they are common symptoms of RSV infection.

Choice D is wrong because signs of pneumonia with a general danger, while concerning, may not require immediate reporting to the provider as they are common symptoms of RSV infection.