Which statement best describes why infants are at greater risk ...

[TFauchery]

Which statement best describes why infants are at greater risk for dehydration than older children?
 
  a. Infants have an increased ability to concen-trate urine.
  b. Infants have a greater volume of intracellular fluid.
  c. Infants have a smaller body surface area.
  d. Infants have an increased extracellular fluid volume.

Question 2

A child has a 2-day history of vomiting and diarrhea. He has hypoactive bowel sounds and an irregular pulse. Electrolyte values are sodium, 139 mEq/L; potassium, 3.3 mEq/L; and calcium, 9.5 mg/dL.
 
  This child is likely to have which of the following electrolyte imbalances? a. Hyponatremia
  b. Hypocalcemia
  c. Hyperkalemia
  d. Hypokalemia

[dyrone]

Answer to Question 1

D
The larger ratio of extracellular fluid to intracellular fluid predisposes the infant to dehydration. Because the kidneys are immature in early infancy, there is a decreased ability to concentrate the urine. Infants have a larger proportion of fluid in the extracellular space. Infants have a proportionately greater body surface area in relation to body mass, which creates the potential for greater fluid loss through the skin and gastrointestinal tract.

Answer to Question 2

D
A serum potassium level less than 3.5 mEq/L is considered hypokalemia. Clinical manifestations of hypokalemia include muscle weakness, decreased bowel sounds, cardiac irregularities, hypotension, and fatigue. The normal serum sodium level is 135 to 145 mEq/L. A level of 139 mEq/L is within normal limits. A serum calcium level less than 8.5 mg/dL is considered hypocalcemia. A serum potassium level greater than 5 mEq/L is considered hyperkalemia.

[TFauchery]

Excellent

[tranoy]

Gracias!