A nurse in an emergency department is caring for an infant who has a 2-day history of vomiting and an elevated temperature. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as the most reliable indicator of fluid loss?
Blood pressure.
Respiratory rate.
Body weight.
Skin integrity.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Blood pressure is not the most reliable indicator of fluid loss in infants. Blood pressure can remain normal until dehydration is severe.
Choice B rationale
Respiratory rate can be affected by many factors and is not the most reliable indicator of fluid loss.
Choice C rationale
Body weight is the most reliable indicator of fluid loss in infants. A significant decrease in body weight indicates significant fluid loss and helps guide appropriate fluid replacement therapy.
Choice D rationale
Skin integrity can be affected by many factors and is not the most reliable indicator of fluid loss.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Explaining the difference between right and wrong is a developmental task expected of older children, typically preschoolers or early school-aged children. Toddlers are still developing their understanding of rules and consequences.
Choice B rationale
Printing letters and numbers is a skill expected of preschoolers or early school-aged children. Toddlers are still developing fine motor skills and are not yet capable of printing letters and numbers.
Choice C rationale
Cooperating in doing simple chores is a developmental task that can be expected of toddlers. However, it is not as specific or significant as the ability to separate easily from the primary caregiver for short periods of time, which is a key developmental milestone for toddlers.
Choice D rationale
Separating easily from the primary caregiver for short periods of time is an important developmental milestone for toddlers. It indicates that the child is developing a sense of independence and trust in their environment, which is crucial for their social and emotional development.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Slightly yellow sclera, or jaundice, is a common finding in children with sickle cell anemia. The breakdown of sickled red blood cells leads to increased bilirubin levels in the blood, which can cause jaundice. This yellowing is often most noticeable in the sclera of the eyes. Jaundice is a result of hemolysis, a hallmark of sickle cell anemia, where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced.
Choice B rationale
Depigmented areas on the abdomen are not typically associated with sickle cell anemia. Sickle cell anemia primarily affects the blood and organs, leading to complications such as pain crises, anemia, and organ damage. Skin changes like depigmentation are not characteristic of this condition and may indicate other underlying issues.
Choice C rationale
Enlarged mandibular growth is not a common finding in sickle cell anemia. While children with sickle cell anemia may experience growth delays and skeletal abnormalities due to chronic anemia and bone marrow hyperactivity, mandibular enlargement is not a typical feature. Skeletal changes in sickle cell anemia are more likely to involve long bones and vertebrae.
Choice D rationale
Increased growth of long bones is not a characteristic finding in sickle cell anemia. In fact, children with sickle cell anemia may experience growth delays and shorter stature due to chronic anemia and the body’s increased demand for red blood cell production. The condition can lead to skeletal abnormalities, but these typically involve bone infarctions and deformities rather than increased growth.