A 3-year-old child is hospitalized with burns covering her trunk and lower extremities.
Which of the following would the nurse use to assess adequacy of fluid resuscitation in the burned child?
A . Blood pressure
B . Serum potassium level
C . Urine output
D . Pulse rate
Answer: C
Explanation:
(A) Blood pressure can remain normotensive even in a state of hypovolemia.
(B) Serum potassium is not reliable for determining adequacy of fluid resuscitation.
(C) Urine output, alteration in sensorium, and capillary refill are the most reliable indicators for assessing adequacy of fluid resuscitation.
(D) Pulse rate may vary for many reasons and is not a reliable indicator for assessing adequacy of fluid resuscitation.