Question

A 6-month-old infant is admitted to the hospital with diarrhea. The parent is feeding the infant a bottle of tap water and tells the nurse that the baby has taken three 8-ounce bottles of water in the last 4 hours. Which laboratory finding is most important for the nurse to monitor?

Answer 1

The nurse should monitor the electrolyte levels in the infant's blood due to the risk of dehydration from diarrhea.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important laboratory finding for the nurse to monitor in this case is the electrolyte levels in the infant's blood. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the body. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride are essential for proper cell function, and imbalances can have serious consequences, especially in infants.

In severe cases of diarrhea, the excessive loss of water and electrolytes can lead to hyponatremia (low sodium levels) or hypokalemia (low potassium levels). If left untreated, these imbalances can cause weakness, seizures, and even life-threatening complications.

Therefore, monitoring the electrolyte levels, especially sodium and potassium, through blood tests is crucial in managing the infant's condition and preventing further complications.