Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 89%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
A nurse is assessing a toddler who has gastroenteritis and is exhibiting manifestations of dehydration.Which of the following findings should the nurse address first?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Hypotension. Hypotension indicates low blood pressure, which can lead to inadequate perfusion to vital organs. Addressing hypotension first is crucial to prevent complications like shock. Tachypnea, dizziness, and skin breakdown may be important, but addressing hypotension takes priority as it directly impacts organ perfusion and can be life-threatening if not managed promptly. Tachypnea may be a compensatory response to hypotension, dizziness may be a symptom of hypotension, and skin breakdown can result from poor perfusion but addressing the underlying hypotension is essential to prevent further deterioration.