When assessing a child for dehydration, which physical sign needs cautious interpretation compared to adults?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Skin turgor
In infants and young children, skin turgor may be less reliable due to greater mobility of skin and subcutaneous fat; fontanel and other signs may be more telling.
Practice all 23 Pediatric Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances questions
Keep practicing
More Pediatric Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances questions
- Which electrolyte does the nurse particularly monitor in a child with congestive heart failure when loop diuretics are used?
- Why is potassium replacement still likely needed even if a child with DKA has an initial potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L?
- Why is potassium replacement critical even before insulin therapy in a child with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
- Which complication is a 6-month‐old infant at risk for if found to have hyponatremia after receiving excessive hypotonic IV fluids?
- What should be the rates of ORT for a child with moderate dehydration after gastroenteritis?
- A 4-year-old child receiving maintenance IV fluids is ordered 0.45% sodium chloride at full maintenance rate. The nurse recognises a risk w…