Gastroenteritis in Children:
Gastroenteritis in Children: ( 15 Questions)
The client asks, "What should I look for to assess my child's hydration status?" What should the nurse advise the client to monitor?
The child's fever is not the most reliable indicator of hydration status. While fever can indicate an infection, it does not provide direct information about the child's hydration level.
The frequency of stools is relevant to gastroenteritis but does not provide a comprehensive assessment of hydration status. Dehydration can occur even if the child is having frequent stools.
The child's abdominal pain level is important but does not directly assess hydration status. Abdominal pain is a symptom of gastroenteritis, but it does not provide specific information about the child's hydration level.
Skin turgor, mucous membranes, and urine output are crucial indicators of hydration status. Skin turgor refers to the skin's elasticity and how quickly it returns to normal after being pinched. Poor skin turgor can indicate dehydration. Mucous membranes, such as the inside of the mouth, should be moist. Dry mucous membranes can suggest dehydration. Additionally, monitoring urine output is essential. A decreased urine output or dark-colored urine can indicate dehydration. These parameters provide a comprehensive assessment of the child's hydration status and guide appropriate interventions.
Choice A rationale:
The child's fever is not the most reliable indicator of hydration status.
While fever can indicate an infection, it does not provide direct information about the child's hydration level.
Choice B rationale:
The frequency of stools is relevant to gastroenteritis but does not provide a comprehensive assessment of hydration status.
Dehydration can occur even if the child is having frequent stools.
Choice C rationale:
The child's abdominal pain level is important but does not directly assess hydration status.
Abdominal pain is a symptom of gastroenteritis, but it does not provide specific information about the child's hydration level.
Choice D rationale:
Skin turgor, mucous membranes, and urine output are crucial indicators of hydration status.
Skin turgor refers to the skin's elasticity and how quickly it returns to normal after being pinched.
Poor skin turgor can indicate dehydration.
Mucous membranes, such as the inside of the mouth, should be moist.
Dry mucous membranes can suggest dehydration.
Additionally, monitoring urine output is essential.
A decreased urine output or dark-colored urine can indicate dehydration.
These parameters provide a comprehensive assessment of the child's hydration status and guide appropriate interventions.