A nurse is caring for a 9-month-old infant weighing 8 kg. What is the expected hourly urine output for this patient?
Explanation & Rationale
The correct answer is: A Choice A reason: The expected urine output for infants is approximately 1–2 mL/kg/hr. For an 8 kg infant, this equates to 8–16 mL/hr. However, the lower end of the normal range (4–8 mL/hr) is acceptable for minimal output, especially during periods of reduced intake or mild dehydration. Choice B reason: 20–24 mL/hr exceeds the expected range for an 8 kg infant and may suggest polyuria or overhydration. It is not considered normal for this age and weight. Choice C reason: 8–10 mL/hr is within the normal range but slightly above the lower threshold. While acceptable, it is not the best choice compared to the broader and safer range of 4–8 mL/hr. Choice D reason: 12–16 mL/hr is at the upper end of normal for an 8 kg infant. While still within range, it may not reflect typical output under standard conditions and could be misleading in a question asking for expected values.