Author Question: Which statement best describes why infants are at greater risk for dehydration than older children? ... (Read 77 times)

TFauchery · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

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 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

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.