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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Encouraging deep breaths hourly can help prevent atelectasis and improve oxygenation, but it is not the priority in managing a vaso-occlusive crisis. The primary issue in a vaso-occlusive crisis is the blockage of blood flow due to sickled cells, leading to pain and potential organ damage. While deep breathing exercises are beneficial, they do not directly address the underlying cause of the crisis.
Choice B rationale
Maintaining fluids through an intravenous line is crucial in managing a vaso-occlusive crisis. Hydration helps to reduce blood viscosity, which can prevent further sickling of red blood cells and improve blood flow. Adequate hydration is essential to minimize the risk of complications such as stroke, acute chest syndrome, and organ damage. Therefore, maintaining IV fluids is a priority intervention in this scenario.
Choice C rationale
Beginning active range-of-motion exercises can help prevent joint stiffness and maintain mobility, but it is not the priority during an acute vaso-occlusive crisis. The primary focus should be on managing pain, ensuring adequate hydration, and preventing complications. Once the acute phase is managed, physical therapy and exercises can be introduced to support long- term health and mobility.
Choice D rationale
Seeing that the child ingests a protein-rich diet is important for overall health and growth, especially in children with chronic conditions like sickle cell anemia. However, during an acute vaso-occlusive crisis, the immediate priority is to manage pain, ensure hydration, and prevent complications. Nutritional support can be addressed once the acute crisis is under control.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Polyuria, or excessive urination, is typically associated with hyperglycemia rather than hypoglycemia. In the context of diabetes, polyuria occurs when high blood glucose levels lead to increased urine production as the body attempts to excrete excess glucose. Since the adolescent’s blood glucose level is 55 mg/dL, which indicates hypoglycemia, polyuria is not an expected finding.
Choice B rationale
Dry, flushed skin is a common symptom of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. When blood glucose levels are high, the body becomes dehydrated, leading to dry skin and a flushed appearance. In contrast, hypoglycemia often presents with symptoms such as sweating, pallor, and shakiness due to the body’s response to low blood glucose levels.
Choice C rationale
Deep, rapid respirations, also known as Kussmaul respirations, are typically associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of hyperglycemia. DKA occurs when the body produces high levels of ketones due to insufficient insulin. Since the adolescent’s blood glucose level is 55 mg/dL, which indicates hypoglycemia, deep, rapid respirations are not an expected finding.
Choice D rationale
Tachycardia, or an increased heart rate, is a common symptom of hypoglycemia. When blood glucose levels drop, the body releases catecholamines (such as adrenaline) to raise blood glucose levels. This response leads to symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, and tachycardia. Therefore, tachycardia is an expected finding in an adolescent with a blood glucose level of 55 mg/dL.