Consider the scenario involving Vernon at the beginning of this chapter. He is an 18-month-old who has had vomiting and diarrhea for several days. The assessment of body weight los, skin turgor, and level of activity suggests moderate dehydration. Vernon refuses attempts at feeding him orally, his pulse becomes rapid, and his blood pressure decreases. Voiding is decreased and capillary refill is slow. Vernon is admitted to the short stay unit and an intravenous infusion is started.

1.       Based on his age, what oral fluids might be best to offer to Vernon? What questions will you ask his mother about his normal fluid intake at home?

2.       What additional assessment will you performon Vernon t gather further information about his state of dehydration?

3.        Since Vernon has had vomiting and diarrhea, he is proba bly deficient in an electrolyte present in high quantities in these body fluids. What electrolyte, in addition to sodium. Is llkely deficient?

4.       4 A major nursing role is to plan care for Vernon while he is E in the unit to rehydrate him. Calculate his replacement and maintenance fluid needs. Formulate a plan of care to include the amounts of oral rehydration therapy he should be offered over the next several hours. Use evidence- based findings to provide the rationale for your planned interventions.