A nurse is admitting a 6-month-old infant who has dehydration. Which of the following amounts of urinary output should indicate to the nurse that the treatment has corrected the fluid imbalance?
A.
0.5 mL/kg/hr
B.
2 mL/kg/hr
C.
15 mL/kg/hr
D.
75 mL/kg/hr
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. 2 mL/kg/hr.
Explanation:
Dehydration in infants is a serious condition that requires prompt and effective treatment. One of the key indicators of successful rehydration is the restoration of adequate urinary output. For infants, a normal urinary output is generally considered to be between 1 to 2 mL/kg/hr. Therefore, an output of 2 mL/kg/hr indicates that the treatment has effectively corrected the fluid imbalance, ensuring the infant is adequately hydrated.
Understanding the Options:
- Option A (0.5 mL/kg/hr): This is lower than the normal range for an infant’s urinary output. If an infant produces only 0.5 mL/kg/hr, it suggests that the infant is still dehydrated or experiencing renal impairment. This output would not indicate successful rehydration.
- Option B (2 mL/kg/hr): This is within the normal range for an infant’s urinary output and is considered a good sign of adequate hydration. Achieving this level of output indicates that the infant’s fluid balance has been restored, and the kidneys are functioning well to excrete the appropriate amount of urine.
- Option C (15 mL/kg/hr): This is an excessively high urinary output, which could indicate a condition like polyuria, possibly due to overhydration or a different underlying issue such as diabetes insipidus. It is not a typical target for assessing successful rehydration.
- Option D (75 mL/kg/hr): This is an extremely high urinary output and is not physiologically normal. Such high levels could indicate a severe pathological condition, possibly leading to dehydration or electrolyte imbalance due to excessive fluid loss.
Importance of Monitoring Urinary Output:
In a clinical setting, monitoring urinary output is crucial for assessing kidney function and overall fluid balance, especially in infants who are more susceptible to rapid changes in hydration status. Adequate urinary output not only confirms that the infant is responding well to fluid therapy but also that the kidneys are functioning properly. Overhydration or underhydration can both have severe consequences, making it vital to strike the right balance.
Conclusion:
For a 6-month-old infant, a urinary output of 2 mL/kg/hr is an appropriate indicator that the treatment has successfully corrected dehydration. This level of output shows that the infant’s fluid balance is restored, and their renal system is functioning correctly, which is a positive sign of recovery.