Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 84%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child who has dehydration. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Potassium 2.5 mEq/L. Low potassium levels can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias in dehydrated patients. Monitoring and correcting potassium levels is crucial. Sodium level (B) within normal range. Urine specific gravity (C) indicates concentrated urine due to dehydration. Blood glucose (D) is within normal limits, not a priority.