Level: Clinical
Difficulty: Medium
Subtopic: Dehydration
NCLEX: A 6-month-old infant in the pediatric clinic is being evaluated for dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea. Asses…
Pediatric nursing Health Promotion and Maintenance Physiological Adaptation
Case Study
A 6-month-old infant in the pediatric clinic is being evaluated for dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea. Assessment data include parents report decreased wet diapers and lethargy over 24 hours. Which nursing action is the priority to keep the client safe?
Question
A. Leave the client alone to promote independence while finishing charting.
B. Apply the first intervention in the policy manual without a current assessment.
C. Complete nonurgent tasks first because the client appears calm.
D. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.
B. Apply the first intervention in the policy manual without a current assessment.
C. Complete nonurgent tasks first because the client appears calm.
D. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.
Rationale
Correct answer: D. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.
Rationale: Client safety requires direct assessment, hazard reduction, and timely escalation rather than assumptions, abandonment, or policy-only actions.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: Client safety requires direct assessment, hazard reduction, and timely escalation rather than assumptions, abandonment, or policy-only actions.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.