Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What indicates that a parent understands discharge teaching for a toddler with dehydration due to diarrhea?

1. "I will offer my child small amounts of fruit juice frequently."

2. "I will avoid giving my child solid foods until the diarrhea has stopped."

3. "I will monitor my child's number of wet diapers."

4. "I will give my child polyethylene glycol daily for 7 days."

The correct answer is: "I will monitor my child's number of wet diapers."

Monitoring the number of wet diapers is a critical indicator of hydration status in toddlers, particularly in cases of dehydration due to diarrhea. This practice helps parents assess whether their child is adequately hydrated. A decrease in the number of wet diapers typically suggests that the child may be experiencing ongoing dehydration, while a consistent or increasing number of wet diapers indicates that the child is recovering well and receiving sufficient fluids. In the context of dehydration, parents should focus on hydration rather than solely restricting solid foods or offering them only after diarrhea resolves. It is important for parents to provide fluids that are appropriate for rehydration. While offering small amounts of fruit juice might seem beneficial, it can sometimes exacerbate diarrhea due to its sugar content, which is why it may not be the best option for immediate hydration. Additionally, polyethylene glycol is usually not recommended for toddlers with diarrhea without the guidance of a healthcare provider, especially in the context of dehydration. Therefore, the parent's awareness and active monitoring of wet diapers serve as a reliable indicator of the child's hydration status and understanding of effective discharge teaching.