RN ATI Pediatric Nursing Proctored Exam with NGN 2023 Related

Review RN ATI Pediatric Nursing Proctored Exam with NGN 2023 related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a 1-month-old infant who has manifestations of severe dehydration and a prescription for parenteral fluid therapy. The guardian asks, 'What are the indications that my baby needs an IV?' Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

  • A. Your baby needs an IV because she is not producing tears.
  • B. Your baby needs an IV because her heart rate is decreased.
  • C. Your baby needs an IV because she is breathing slower than normal.
  • D. Your baby needs an IV because her fontanels are bulging.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is A: Your baby needs an IV because she is not producing tears. In infants, the inability to produce tears is a sign of severe dehydration, indicating a deficit in body fluids. Tears are composed of water and electrolytes, and the absence of tears suggests a significant fluid imbalance. This makes it crucial to administer parenteral fluid therapy via an IV to restore hydration levels.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly correlate with the need for IV fluid therapy in this scenario. A decreased heart rate, slower breathing, and bulging fontanels may be signs of distress or other issues but do not specifically indicate the need for immediate IV fluid administration due to dehydration. Therefore, option A is the most appropriate and relevant response given the infant's presentation of severe dehydration.