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 A
Explanation
ChoiceA rationale
Theapexoftheheart(apicalpulse)isthepreferredsiteforassessingtheheartrateininfants.It is located at the point of maximal impulse (PMI) and provides the most accuratemeasurementof theheartrateinthisagegroup.
ChoiceB rationale
The brachial artery is not the preferred site for assessing the heart rate in infants. While it canbeused forbloodpressuremeasurement,itisnotasaccurateastheapicalpulseforheartrateassessment.
ChoiceCrationale
Theradialarteryisnottypicallyusedforassessingthe heartrateininfants.Itismorecommonlyusedinolderchildren andadults.
ChoiceD rationale
Thecarotidarteryisnotrecommendedforassessingtheheartrateininfantsduetotheriskofcompressingtheairwayandcausingdiscomfort.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Auscultating for a cardiac murmur can be helpful but is not the most specific assessment for coarctation of the aorta. Murmurs can be present in various cardiac conditions.
Choice B rationale
Recording blood pressure in the upper extremities alone is not sufficient. Coarctation of the aorta often presents with a discrepancy between upper and lower extremity blood pressures.
Choice C rationale
Assessing for the presence of femoral pulses is crucial. In coarctation of the aorta, there is decreased blood flow to the lower extremities, leading to weak or absent femoral pulses.
Choice D rationale
Observing for excessive crying is non-specific and can be associated with many conditions, not just coarctation of the aorta.