Pediatric Nursing: Dehydration and Fluid Management

Running head: PEDIATRIC NURSING
Pediatric Nursing
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

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1. One technique is ensuring that the non-verbal communication is one that affirms and
does not scare the client. This is important in ensuring that the client is assured that
the health care team is doing the best to support her. Secondly, the health care
professional should ask questions in a kind manner. While talking to the client it is
important to do so in a way that is empathetic and that does not scare them (Leifer,
2019, p.488). The third technique that could be utilised is that of listening. Listening
carefully and reassuring the client that they are being listened to is an important aspect
of care.
2. One of the safety concerns is injuries within the hospital. The hospital environment
should be in such a way that is reduces the chances of 1 year old from being injured
since at this time a child could be walking by themselves or through support
(McEwen and Wills, 2017, p.21). The second safety concern involves bed or cribs.
These should be monitored regularly to reduce the chances of bed-related deaths.
Choking is also of concern. It is important that appropriate care be administered to
avoid this.
3. One of the findings of concern is the temperature. The temperature is more than
normal which is an indication of fever (Leifer, 2019, p.673). Yasmin’s temperature
39.0 degrees Celsius which is 2 degrees higher than the optimum body temperature
(37 degrees Celsius). When the body temperature is elevated, there are higher chances
for Yasmin to lose water through perspiration. Dehydration is also of concern. As
evidenced by the gastrointestinal and urinary assessment, Yasmin has not voided in 8
hours and is refusing fluids. Assessment shows that Yasmin has been having
diarrhoea for the past two days and is experiencing feeding difficulties. This
aggravated dehydration and increases the risk for malnutrition. The integumentary
assessment is also of concern since it confirms that the child is greatly dehydrated.

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Yasmin has dry lips and the eyes appear sunken. In addition to this, there is poor skin
turgor and no tears. These factors are an indication that Yasmin needs urgent
rehydration. Being lethargic also presents an underlying problem that should be
examined.
4. One of the early symptoms of dehydration in Yasmin is refusal to take fluids. This a
symptom that obviously indicates the possibility of being dehydrated. In addition,
having diarrhoea is an early sign of dehydration. Yasmin’s aunt says that Yasmin has
been having diarrhoea for the past two days. Dry lips are a late sign of dehydration
(Kassam et al, 2015, p.21). Before lack of enough body fluids manifests through dry
lips, Yasmin must have been dehydrated for some time which makes it a late sign.
Lack of tears is also another late sign of dehydration. In addition, Yasmin is also
experiencing some late signs of dehydration that raise an alarm of the seriousness of
the situation. Following are these signs. Yasmin parched mucous membranes,
increased respiratory rate and increased heart rate. When such signs are present in a
paediatric patient, it is important that the intervention of a doctor be sought as soon as
possible.
5. Mild dehydration is characterized by weight loss of up to 5%; being alert and active;
presence of tears; normal eyes and normal urine flow. At this level dehydration, the
affected child does not present with serious or life-threatening symptoms. They may
appear to be alert, responsive and even taking feeds and fluids well. For moderate
dehydration, the weight loss ranges between 6 and 10%; the respiration is fast; pulse
is rapid and of low volume; tears are less that could be expected and urine is reduced.
At this level of dehydration, the child level of consciousness is greatly reduced and
there are signs of fatigue. The child may also present signs of lethargy and
restlessness. Their urge for fluid intake may also be increased and evident. It is