Question

the nurse develops the plan of care for a school-age child with acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis who has a fluid restriction of 1000 ml a day. which fluid should the nurse consider as most appropriate for the client's condition and effective for preventing excessive thirst?

Answer 1

For a child with a fluid restriction due to acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, an isotonic saline solution is most appropriate to prevent excessive thirst while adhering to fluid intake limits. Regulation of sodium and fluid balance is critical in maintaining proper hydration and kidney function.

Step-by-step explanation:

When developing a plan of care for a school-age child with acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis who has a fluid restriction of 1000 ml a day, the most appropriate fluid to prevent excessive thirst would likely be a drink with a sodium content that is isotonic with the body fluids. This is because sodium helps to regulate thirst and body fluid balances. An isotonic saline solution, for example, can help maintain the osmotic balance without causing additional fluid retention or depletion. It's essential to prevent dehydration while still adhering to the child's fluid restriction to manage the condition effectively.

Osmosis and the body's regulation of sodium and water play a critical role in maintaining proper hydration and blood pressure. In an emergency where a patient presents with a blood pressure of 70/45, confusion, and complaints of thirst, the immediate concern may be dehydration and shock. Osmotic diuretics like mannitol or the presence of glucose can exacerbate dehydration, leading to severe health concerns. Careful management of fluids — balancing between intake and output — is vital for patients with kidney issues like acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.