The mother of an infant is upset to learn that the baby's ...

[chandani]

The mother of an infant is upset to learn that the baby's diarrhea caused the infant to become quite ill. What should the nurse explain about an infant that makes diarrhea an important problem to treat?
 
  A) Infants have shorter intestines than adults.
  B) Infants have a high proportion of extracellular fluid.
  C) Infants have a higher proportion of fluid than an adult.
  D) Infants have a fluid content that is proportionally less than that of an adult.

Question 2

Which of the following would the nurse expect to find in an 18-month-old?
 
  A) Standing on tiptoes
  B) Pedaling a tricycle
  C) Climbing stairs with assistance
  D) Carrying a large toy while walking

[Kimmy]

Answer to Question 1

B
Feedback:
In the adult, extracellular water represents approximately 23 of total body water; in a newborn, extracellular water is closer to 40. This means that an infant does not have as much water stored in the cells as an adult and so is more likely to lose a devastating amount of body water with diarrhea. Because of this, there is no such thing as only diarrhea in a child younger than 1 year of age. Infants do not have shorter intestines than adults. Infants do not have a higher proportion of fluid than adults. Infants do not have a fluid content that is proportionally less than that of an adult.

Answer to Question 2

C
Feedback:
Toddlers continue to progress with motor skills. An 18-month-old should be able to climb stairs with assistance. A 24-month-old should be able to stand on his or her tiptoes and carry a large toy while walking. A 36-month-old would be able to pedal a tricycle.