What is the priority nursing intervention for a 6-month-old infant hospitalized with diarrhea and dehydration?
A) Estimating insensible fluid loss
B) Collecting urine for culture and sensitivity
C) Palpating the posterior fontanel
D) Measuring the infant's weight

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Weight is a crucial indicator of fluid status.It is an important criterion for assessing hydration status and response to fluid replacement.Infants have a greater total body surface area and therefore a greater potential for fluid loss through the skin.It is not possible to measure insensible fluid loss.Urine for culture and sensitivity is not usually part of the treatment plan for the infant who is dehydrated from diarrhea.The posterior fontanel closes by 2 months of age.The anterior fontanel can be palpated during an assessment of an infant with dehydration.

What Is the Priority Nursing Intervention for a 6-Month-Old Infant