Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Management of Patients With Infectious Diseases Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Management of Patients With Infectious Diseases related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a child who was admitted to the pediatric unit with infectious diarrhea. The nurse should be alert to what assessment finding as an indicator of dehydration?

  • A. Labile BP
  • B. Weak pulse
  • C. Fever
  • D. Diaphoresis
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Weak pulse is a key sign of dehydration in children, along with thirst, dry mucous membranes, and poor skin turgor. Labile BP, fever, and diaphoresis are not specific to dehydration.