A 9-month-old infant is hospitalized with vomiting and diarrhea. The mother questions why her child needed hospitalization since her school-age nephew had the same symptoms and was treated at home. Which should the nurse include in the explanation to the infant's mother? Select all that apply.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

- Infants have a higher percentage of extracellular fluid compared to school-age children, making them more vulnerable to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances from vomiting and diarrhea. This necessitates closer monitoring and sometimes hospitalization to manage fluid and electrolyte replacement.- School-age children have more mature kidneys that are better at conserving water, reducing the risk of dehydration. Infants, on the other hand, have less mature renal systems, making them more susceptible to the effects of vomiting and diarrhea, which can justify hospitalization for careful fluid management.

A 9-Month-Old Infant Is Hospitalized with Vomiting and Diarrhea