Question

The nurse is caring for an infant with gastroenteritis who is being treated for dehydration. The nurse reviews the health record and notes that the health care provider has documented that the infant is mildly dehydrated. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect to note in mild dehydration?

a. Pale skin color
b. Increased urine output
c. Bulging fontanelles
d. Rapid, thready pulse

Answer 1

In mild dehydration, the nurse would expect to note a rapid, thready pulse. Other signs of mild dehydration may include increased thirst, dry mouth, and slightly reduced urine output.

Step-by-step explanation:

In mild dehydration, the nurse would expect to note a rapid, thready pulse. This is because dehydration decreases blood volume, causing the heart to work harder to pump blood, resulting in a rapid and weak pulse. Other signs of mild dehydration may include increased thirst, dry mouth, and slightly reduced urine output.