A nurse is caring for an infant who is dehydrated and requires IV therapy. The nurse should monitor the infant's response to therapy by performing which of the following actions?
Taking the infant's vital signs every 2 hr
Counting the number of wet diapers every shift
Weighing the infant at the same time every day
Measuring the infant's head circumference twice per day
The Correct Answer is C
A. Taking the infant's vital signs every 2 hr: Monitoring vital signs every 2 hours can help assess the infant’s general condition and detect changes in heart rate and blood pressure, which can indicate changes in hydration status. However, it might not be sufficient alone to monitor fluid status.
B. Counting the number of wet diapers every shift: Tracking the number of wet diapers is an effective way to monitor the infant's fluid output and hydration status. An increase in wet diapers typically indicates improved hydration. This is a practical and non-invasive method for assessing the effectiveness of IV therapy in infants.
C. Weighing the infant at the same time every day: Daily weights are a critical measure of fluid balance in infants. A consistent daily weight check provides a direct and accurate assessment of the infant’s hydration status and response to IV therapy.
D. Measuring the infant's head circumference twice per day: Measuring head circumference is not relevant for monitoring hydration status. It is typically used to assess growth and development in infants, not fluid balance or response to IV therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The parent reports the child will not keep the arm elevated on the pillow: Not a priority. While elevation is important, it is not immediately concerning.
B. The fingers on the right hand have a capillary refill of 4 seconds: Correct. A capillary refill time of more than 2 seconds indicates poor perfusion, which can be a sign of compartment syndrome, a serious complication.
C. The fingertips of the right hand are swollen and bruised: Concerning, but swelling and bruising can be normal post-injury. Immediate concern is perfusion.
D. The child is not attempting to move her right arm or fingers: Concerning, but can be due to pain or fear. Poor perfusion (B) is a more immediate threat.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Perform range-of-motion (ROM) exercises to the infant's hips. ROM exercises are not the priority for an infant with spina bifida and could potentially cause harm if not done properly, particularly if the lesion is in a sensitive area.
B. Place the infant in a prone position. This is the correct action as it helps prevent pressure on the spina bifida lesion and minimizes the risk of injury or infection to the exposed spinal cord or meninges.
C. Feed the infant through an NG tube. An NG tube is not typically necessary for feeding infants with spina bifida unless there are other complicating factors that affect feeding.
D. Cover the infant's lesion with a dry cloth. The lesion should be covered with a sterile, moist, and non-adhesive dressing to prevent infection and keep the area moist. A dry cloth could cause the lesion to dry out and increase the risk of infection or damage.
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