Calculate a bolus rate (mL/kg/hour) to be given to a severely dehydrated child with diarrhea weighing 23 kg over 60 minutes. The pulse will be checked after the bolus.

Choice A reason:

Adequate oxygenation is important in managing vaso-occlusive sickle cell crisis, but the replacement of factor V is not relevant to this condition. Factor V is involved in the blood clotting process, and its replacement is typically associated with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia. Therefore, this choice is not appropriate for managing a vaso-occlusive crisis.

Choice B reason:

Adequate hydration and pain management are critical components of care for a child in vaso-occlusive sickle cell crisis. Hydration helps to reduce the viscosity of the blood, which can prevent further sickling of red blood cells and improve blood flow. Pain management is essential because vaso-occlusive crises are extremely painful and require prompt and effective pain relief, often with opioid analgesics. These measures help to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

Choice C reason:

Pain management is indeed a crucial aspect of care for vaso-occlusive sickle cell crisis, but the administration of heparin is not typically part of the treatment. Heparin is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots, and it is not indicated for managing vaso-occlusive crises. The focus should be on hydration and pain relief rather than anticoagulation.

Choice D reason:

Correction of acidosis may be necessary in some cases, but it is not the primary focus of care for vaso-occlusive sickle cell crisis. The main goals are to manage pain and ensure adequate hydration to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of further sickling of red blood cells. While addressing acidosis can be part of the overall management, it is not the primary intervention.

Choice A reason:

Cardiac arrhythmia is a primary clinical manifestation of hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia, defined as an elevated level of potassium in the blood, can significantly affect the electrical activity of the heart. This can lead to various types of arrhythmias, including bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia, and even cardiac arrest1. The presence of arrhythmias is a critical indicator of hyperkalemia and requires immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications.

Choice B reason:

Seizures are not typically associated with hyperkalemia2. While severe electrolyte imbalances can potentially lead to neurological symptoms, seizures are more commonly linked to conditions such as hyponatremia (low sodium levels) or hypocalcemia (low calcium levels). Therefore, seizures are not a primary sign of hyperkalemia.

Choice C reason:

Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, can occur in various medical conditions, including heart failure and respiratory disorders. While hyperkalemia can lead to muscle weakness and fatigue, which might indirectly affect breathing, dyspnea is not a primary clinical manifestation of hyperkalemia. The main concern with hyperkalemia is its effect on cardiac function.

Choice D reason:

Oliguria, or reduced urine output, is a symptom of acute renal failure but not specifically indicative of hyperkalemia. While acute renal failure can lead to hyperkalemia due to the kidneys’ inability to excrete potassium, oliguria itself is not a direct sign of hyperkalemia. The focus should be on the cardiac effects of elevated potassium levels