A nurse is taking care of four different pediatric clients. Which ...

[SGallaher96]

A nurse is taking care of four different pediatric clients. Which child is at greatest risk for dehydration?
 
  1. 7-year-old child with migraine headaches
  2. 4-year-old child with a broken arm
  3. 2-year-old child with cellulitis of the left leg
  4. 18-month-old child with tachypnea

Question 2

A 4-year-old child is admitted to the hospital secondary to dehydration. Laboratory tests indicate a high hemoglobin and hematocrit, and the serum sodium is below normal levels. Which condition does the nurse suspect based on the current data?
 
  1. Hypernatremia
  2. Metabolic acidosis
  3. Hypotonic dehydration
  4. Isotonic dehydration

[macagnavarro]

Answer to Question 1

4
Explanation:
1. The pediatric client with a chronic or acute condition that does not directly affect the GI or electrolyte system is at a lower risk than is a toddler with a condition that increases insensible water loss.
2. The pediatric client with an acute condition that does not directly affect electrolytes is at a lower risk than is a client with a condition that increases insensible water loss.
3. The pediatric client with an acute condition, such as a client with cellulitis that does not affect the GI or electrolyte system, is at a lower risk than is a toddler with a condition that increases insensible water loss.
4. The pediatric client with the greatest risk is under 2 years of age and with a condition that increases insensible fluid loss.

Answer to Question 2

3
Explanation:
1. Hypernatremia is a condition where the body fluids are too concentrated and there is an excess of sodium.
2. Metabolic acidosis refers to a condition where the pH of the blood is acidic.
3. This occurs when fluid loss is characterized by a proportionately greater loss of sodium than water. Serum sodium is below normal levels. Hemoglobin and hematocrit will be high due to the loss of serum water.
4. This occurs when fluid loss is not balanced by intake, and the losses of water and sodium are in proportion.