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    Ati nurs 335 paediatrics proctored exam

    A nurse is caring for a 3-year-old child who was admitted with acute diarrhea and dehydration. Which of the following findings indicates that oral rehydration therapy has been effective?

    Explanation & Rationale

    A. Urine specific gravity 1.015 is correct. A specific gravity of 1.015 indicates good hydration status and that the child is effectively retaining fluids after oral rehydration therapy. Normal urine specific gravity ranges from 1.010 to 1.020. B. Respiratory rate 24/min is not directly related to hydration status and does not necessarily indicate that rehydration therapy has been effective. It is a normal rate for a 3-year-old child, but respiratory rate alone isn't an indicator of fluid balance. C. Heart rate 130/min is elevated for a 3-year-old child and may indicate dehydration or other stressors, suggesting that oral rehydration therapy has not been completely effective. A normal heart rate for this age is typically 80-120 beats per minute. D. Capillary refill greater than 3 seconds is a sign of dehydration and poor perfusion, indicating that the oral rehydration therapy has not been effective in restoring hydration. Normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds.

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