A nurse is caring for a preterm baby who weighs 4.8 pounds.What assessment finding indicates the baby is dehydrated?
A) Urine output of 3.3 mL/hour
B) Urine specific gravity of 1.001
C) Low serum sodium
D) Weight gain of 43 g in one day

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This baby weighs 2.18 kg.Dehydration is noted with a urine output of <2 mL/kg/hour.A urine output of 3.3 mL is 1.5 mL/kg/hour and so indicates dehydration.The dilute urine specific gravity indicates overhydration as does the low serum sodium.The weight gain is normal (15 to 20 g/kg/day).

A Nurse Is Caring for a Preterm Baby Who Weighs