A nurse is collecting data from a 4-year-old child. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Heart rate 110/min: A heart rate of 110 beats per minute is within the normal range for a 4-year-old child. The typical heart rate for this age is between 80 to 120 beats per minute. B. Capillary refill greater than 3 seconds: Capillary refill time should be less than 2 seconds in a healthy child. A refill time greater than 3 seconds may indicate poor perfusion or dehydration, which is abnormal. C. Weight gain of 0.9 kg (2 lb) in a year: A weight gain of 2 pounds in a year is below the expected range for a 4-year-old. Children in this age group typically gain around 4-5 pounds per year as they grow. D. Respiratory rate 32/min: The normal respiratory rate for a 4-year-old child is typically between 20 to 30 breaths per minute. A rate of 32/min is slightly elevated and may indicate respiratory distress or other issues.