A nurse is preparing to administer eye drops to a school-age child. Identify the actions the nurse should take. (Move the steps into the box on the right, placing them in the order of performance. Use all the steps.)

Rationale:

A. "Your baby needs an IV because she is breathing slower than normal.": Severe dehydration is more likely to cause tachypnea rather than slower breathing, as the body attempts to compensate for metabolic acidosis.

B. "Your baby needs an IV because her heart rate is decreased.": Severe dehydration in infants usually results in tachycardia due to hypovolemia. A decreased heart rate may indicate impending cardiovascular collapse, which is a late and severe sign.

C. "Your baby needs an IV because her fontanels are bulging.": Bulging fontanels suggest increased intracranial pressure, not dehydration. Dehydration typically causes sunken fontanels due to decreased fluid volume.

D. "Your baby needs an IV because she is not producing tears.": Absence of tears during crying is a classic sign of significant dehydration in infants. This indicates reduced fluid volume and supports the need for IV therapy to restore hydration.

Rationale for correct choices:

• Hemoglobin 12 g/dL: The increase from 9.1 g/dL to 12 g/dL indicates that the client’s anemia is resolving. This suggests effective treatment or stabilization following blood loss, improving oxygen-carrying capacity and overall perfusion.
• Hematocrit 36%: The rise from 27% to 36% reflects an improvement in the proportion of red blood cells in circulation. This correlates with better tissue oxygenation and a positive response to interventions such as a blood transfusion.
• Blood pressure 112/74 mm Hg: The increase from 90/50 mm Hg indicates improved hemodynamic stability. This suggests the client is no longer hypovolemic and is better able to maintain adequate perfusion to vital organs.
• Heart rate 95/min: The decrease from 118/min shows a reduction in compensatory tachycardia. This reflects improved circulatory status and decreased physiological stress following stabilization of blood volume and oxygenation.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• WBC count 6,700/mm³: The WBC count remains unchanged from admission. While within normal limits, it does not specifically indicate improvement in anemia or hemodynamic status, which are the primary concerns in this scenario.
• Respiratory rate 18/min: The respiratory rate is unchanged and within normal limits. Although stable, it does not provide a direct measure of improvement in anemia or perfusion.
• Temperature 37.5°C (99.5°F): The temperature is stable but slightly elevated. While not concerning, it does not reflect a specific improvement in the client’s primary condition.