Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 62%
Simulated
A nurse is assessing an infant who has water intoxication. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Thready pulse. In water intoxication, there is dilution of electrolytes in the body, leading to hyponatremia. This causes cells to swell, including brain cells, leading to symptoms like altered mental status, seizures, and thready pulse due to decreased vascular volume. Generalized edema (A) is more commonly seen in conditions like heart failure. Elevated urine specific gravity (B) is typically seen in dehydration, not water intoxication. Increased hematocrit (D) is a sign of dehydration, not water intoxication.