Which statement best describes why infants are at greater risk for dehydration than older children?
Infants have an increased ability to concentrate urine.
Infants have an increased extracellular flued volume
Infants have a greater volume of intracellular fluid.
Infants have a smaller body surface area.
The Correct Answer is B
The statement that best describes why infants are at greater risk for dehydration than older children is option B. Infants have an increased extracellular fluid volume compared to older children. This means that a larger proportion of their total body fluid is located outside the cells, in the extracellular compartment. This higher extracellular fluid volume makes infants more susceptible to fluid losses and dehydration if they experience inadequate fluid intake or increased fluid losses.
infants have an increased ability to concentrate urine in (option A), is incorrect. Infants have limited renal function and may have difficulty concentrating urine compared to older children and adults. This can contribute to a higher risk of dehydration in infants.
infants have a greater volume of intracellular fluid in (option C), is incorrect. The volume of intracellular fluid is not the primary factor contributing to the increased risk of dehydration in infants.
infants have a smaller body surface area in (option D) is incorrect because it, is not directly related to the increased risk of dehydration. Body surface area influences heat exchange and fluid loss through sweating but is not the main factor contributing to the higher risk of dehydration in infants.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It causes damage to the lining of the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of nutrients. The characteristic symptoms of celiac disease include abdominal distention, underweight or failure to thrive, thin arms and legs, and foul-smelling stools.
intussusception in (option A) is incorrect because it, refers to a condition where a portion of the intestine telescopes into an adjacent section, causing an obstruction. While intussusception can present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and currant jelly-like stools, it is not typically associated with failure to thrive.
imperforate anus, in (option B) is incorrect because it is a congenital condition in which the opening of the anus is blocked or absent. It can cause difficulties with passing stools, but it is not typically associated with failure to thrive or the specific assessment findings described.
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in (option D) is incorrect because it, is a chronic disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and bloating. While IBS can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, it is not typically associated with failure to thrive, underweight, or the specific assessment findings mentioned.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Hypothyroidismreferstoanunderactivethyroid glandthatdoesnotproduceenoughthyroidhormones. In newborns, this condition is known as congenital hypothyroidism. Thesymptoms mentioned—mottled skin, a large fontanel (soft spot on the baby's head), a largetongue,lethargy, anddifficultyfeeding—arecharacteristic ofhypothyroidism inneonates.
Mottledskincanoccur duetodecreasedcirculationandlow bodytemperatureassociatedwith hypothyroidism. A large fontanel and tongue are common physical features seen ininfants with hypothyroidism. Lethargy and poor feeding are also typical signs of thiscondition.
Hypoglycaemia in (option A) is incorrect because it refers to low blood sugar levels andusuallypresentswithdifferent symptomssuchas jitteriness,tremors,and sweating.
Hypocalcaemia in (option C) is incorrect because it is low calcium levels and can manifestwithsymptoms like muscle cramps, twitching,and seizures.
Phenylketonuria (PKU) in (option D) it is incorrect because it is a metabolic disordercharacterized by the inability to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine, and it typicallypresentswith differentsymptoms such asintellectual disabilityandamustydoorto theskin.
Therefore, based on the symptoms described, hypothyroidism (B) is the most likely disorderinthisneonate. Itisimportanttoconsultahealthcareprofessionalforaproperdiagnosisandappropriatetreatment.
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