What assessment should the nurse make before initiating an ...

[fbq8i]

What assessment should the nurse make before initiating an intravenous (IV) infusion of dextrose 5 in 0.9 normal saline solution with 10 mEq of potassium chloride for a child hospitalized with dehydration?
 
  a. Fluid intake
  b. Number of stools
  c. Urine output
  d. Capillary refill

Question 2

Which is the priority nursing intervention for a 6-month-old infant hospitalized with diarrhea and dehydration?
 
  a. Estimating insensible fluid loss
  b. Collecting urine for culture and sensitivity
  c. Palpating the posterior fontanel
  d. Measuring the infant's weight

[Kimmy]

Answer to Question 1

C
Potassium chloride should never be added to an IV solution in the presence of oliguria or anuria (urine output less than 0.5 mL/kg/hr). Fluid intake does not provide information about renal function. Stool count sheds light on intestinal function. Renal function is the concern before potassium chloride is added to an IV solution. Assessment of capillary refill does not provide data about renal function.

Answer to Question 2

D
Weight is a crucial indicator of fluid status. It is an important criterion for assessing hydration status and response to fluid replacement. Infants have a greater total body surface area and therefore a greater potential for fluid loss through the skin. It is not possible to measure insensible fluid loss. Urine for culture and sensitivity is not usually part of the treatment plan for the infant who is dehydrated from diarrhea. The posterior fontanel closes by 2 months of age. The anterior fontanel can be palpated during an assessment of an infant with dehydration.

[fbq8i]

Correct answers!

[Kimmy]

Great! Please up vote