Which patient is at the highest risk for dehydration?
Elderly patient with fever and nausea and vomiting
Teenager who has intentionally limited fluid intake to avoid weight gain
Young patient with diarrhea
Infant who has a fever
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: Elderly patients are at a higher risk for dehydration due to physiological changes that come with aging, such as decreased kidney function and physical changes to the body's water balance systems. Additionally, fever increases metabolic rate and fluid loss, and nausea and vomiting prevent adequate fluid intake, further increasing the risk of dehydration.
Choice B: While intentionally limiting fluid intake can lead to dehydration, the body's thirst mechanism in a healthy teenager is typically strong enough to prevent severe dehydration.
Choice C: Diarrhea can certainly lead to dehydration, but a young, otherwise healthy patient typically has a stronger ability to recover from fluid loss than an elderly patient.
Choice D: Infants are at a higher risk for dehydration than older children and adults due to their smaller body weight and higher turnover of water and electrolytes, but in this case, the elderly patient's multiple risk factors put them at a higher risk overall.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Metabolic alkalosis is a condition where the pH and the HCO3- are both elevated, indicating a loss of acids or a gain of bases in the body. This is not the case for this patient, as his HCO3- is within the normal range of 22 to 26 mEq/L.
Choice B reason: Respiratory acidosis is a condition where the pH and the PaCO2 are both low, indicating a retention of carbon dioxide in the lungs due to hypoventilation. This is not the case for this patient, as his pH is high and his PaCO2 is low.
Choice C reason: Respiratory alkalosis is a condition where the pH and the PaCO2 are both high, indicating a loss of carbon dioxide in the lungs due to hyperventilation. This is the case for this patient, as his pH is above the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45 and his PaCO2 is below the normal range of 35 to 45 mm Hg. This condition is uncompensated, as his HCO3- is within the normal range and has not changed to counteract the pH imbalance.
Choice D reason: Metabolic acidosis is a condition where the pH and the HCO3- are both low, indicating a gain of acids or a loss of bases in the body. This is not the case for this patient, as his pH is high and his HCO3- is within the normal range.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Moist skin is not a sign of dehydration, but rather a sign of adequate hydration or sweating. Dehydration can cause dry skin, mucous membranes, and lips.
Choice B reason: Dark-colored urine is a sign of dehydration, as it indicates a high concentration of waste products and a low volume of water in the urine. Dehydration can cause the kidneys to conserve water and produce less urine.
Choice C reason: High blood pressure is not a sign of dehydration, but rather a sign of fluid overload or other factors such as stress, pain, or medication. Dehydration can cause low blood pressure, as it reduces the blood volume and the cardiac output.
Choice D reason: Distended neck veins are not a sign of dehydration, but rather a sign of fluid overload or right-sided heart failure. Dehydration can cause flat neck veins, as it reduces the venous return and the central venous pressure.
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