A 4-year-old child is admitted to the hospital secondary to dehydration. Laboratory tests indicate a high hemoglobin and hematocrit, and the serum sodium is below normal levels. Which condition does the nurse suspect based on the current data?
A) Hypernatremia
B) Metabolic acidosis
C) Hypotonic dehydration
D) Isotonic dehydration

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The high hemoglobin and hematocrit indicate hemoconcentration, which occurs in hypotonic dehydration. The low serum sodium also supports the diagnosis of hypotonic dehydration. Hypernatremia would show high serum sodium levels. Metabolic acidosis would have low pH levels and bicarbonate levels but is not indicated in the current data. Isotonic dehydration would not result in hemoconcentration.

A 4-Year-Old Child Is Admitted to the Hospital Secondary to Dehydration