Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 92%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
An infant who has severe dehydration from acute gastroenteritisA nurse is admitting an infant who has severe dehydration from acute gastroenteritis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: 13% weight loss. Severe dehydration leads to significant weight loss in infants due to fluid deficit. A 13% weight loss indicates severe dehydration, as infants have a higher proportion of body water. Bulging anterior fontanel (B) is a sign of increased intracranial pressure, not dehydration. Bradypnea (C) refers to slow breathing, which can occur in severe dehydration but is not a specific finding. Capillary refill of 3 seconds (D) is concerning for dehydration but is not as specific as the significant weight loss. Other choices are not provided.