ESTUDYR
NCLEX-Style Case Study: Pediatric Dehydration
(Acute Gastroenteritis)
Client Scenario (Applies to all items)
The nurse in the pediatric emergency department cares for a 2-year-old female client.
Health History, Assessment, and Vital Signs:
A 2-year-old child presents with her mother, who reports the child has had vomiting and
diarrhea for the past 3 days. The mother states the child has been unable to keep fluids
down and has had only one wet diaper in the past 10 hours.
The child appears lethargic and irritable, with dry mucous membranes and sunken eyes.
The mother reports no significant past medical history. Immunizations are up to date.
Vital signs on arrival:
Temperature: 38.1°C (100.6°F)
Heart rate: 148/min
Respiratory rate: 32/min
Blood pressure: 88/50 mmHg
Item 1 of 6
Question:
Click to select the findings that require immediate follow-up by the nurse.
(Select all that apply)
Lethargy
Dry mucous membranes
Sunken eyes
One wet diaper in 10 hours
Temperature 38.1°C
Heart rate 148/min
Blood pressure 88/50 mmHg
, ESTUDYR
Correct Answers:
Lethargy
Dry mucous membranes
Sunken eyes
One wet diaper in 10 hours
Heart rate 148/min
Blood pressure 88/50 mmHg
Rationale:
These findings indicate moderate to severe dehydration and possible hypovolemia.
Lethargy and hypotension are especially concerning for circulatory compromise.
Fever is expected in infection but is not the immediate priority compared to signs of
dehydration.
Item 2 of 6
Question:
For each finding, indicate whether it is consistent with mild dehydration, moderate
dehydration, or severe dehydration.
Finding Mild Moderate Severe
Dry mucous membranes ☐ ☐ ☐
Sunken eyes ☐ ☐ ☐
Lethargy ☐ ☐ ☐
Tachycardia ☐ ☐ ☐
Hypotension ☐ ☐ ☐
Correct Answers:
Dry mucous membranes → Moderate
Sunken eyes → Moderate
Lethargy → Severe
Tachycardia → Moderate
Hypotension → Severe
Rationale:
Moderate dehydration includes dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes, and tachycardia.
NCLEX-Style Case Study: Pediatric Dehydration
(Acute Gastroenteritis)
Client Scenario (Applies to all items)
The nurse in the pediatric emergency department cares for a 2-year-old female client.
Health History, Assessment, and Vital Signs:
A 2-year-old child presents with her mother, who reports the child has had vomiting and
diarrhea for the past 3 days. The mother states the child has been unable to keep fluids
down and has had only one wet diaper in the past 10 hours.
The child appears lethargic and irritable, with dry mucous membranes and sunken eyes.
The mother reports no significant past medical history. Immunizations are up to date.
Vital signs on arrival:
Temperature: 38.1°C (100.6°F)
Heart rate: 148/min
Respiratory rate: 32/min
Blood pressure: 88/50 mmHg
Item 1 of 6
Question:
Click to select the findings that require immediate follow-up by the nurse.
(Select all that apply)
Lethargy
Dry mucous membranes
Sunken eyes
One wet diaper in 10 hours
Temperature 38.1°C
Heart rate 148/min
Blood pressure 88/50 mmHg
, ESTUDYR
Correct Answers:
Lethargy
Dry mucous membranes
Sunken eyes
One wet diaper in 10 hours
Heart rate 148/min
Blood pressure 88/50 mmHg
Rationale:
These findings indicate moderate to severe dehydration and possible hypovolemia.
Lethargy and hypotension are especially concerning for circulatory compromise.
Fever is expected in infection but is not the immediate priority compared to signs of
dehydration.
Item 2 of 6
Question:
For each finding, indicate whether it is consistent with mild dehydration, moderate
dehydration, or severe dehydration.
Finding Mild Moderate Severe
Dry mucous membranes ☐ ☐ ☐
Sunken eyes ☐ ☐ ☐
Lethargy ☐ ☐ ☐
Tachycardia ☐ ☐ ☐
Hypotension ☐ ☐ ☐
Correct Answers:
Dry mucous membranes → Moderate
Sunken eyes → Moderate
Lethargy → Severe
Tachycardia → Moderate
Hypotension → Severe
Rationale:
Moderate dehydration includes dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes, and tachycardia.
