Importance of Addressing Fluid Volume Deficit for a 5-Year-Old Diagnosed with Gastroenteritis: Restoring and Maintaining Hydration to Prevent Dehydration and Complications

The nurse is writing a care plan for the 5-year-old child diagnosed with gastroenteritis. Which client problem is priority?1. Imbalanced nutrition.2. Fluid volume deficit.3. Knowledge deficit. 4. Risk for infection.

The priority client problem for the 5-year-old child diagnosed with gastroenteritis is fluid volume deficit

The priority client problem for the 5-year-old child diagnosed with gastroenteritis is fluid volume deficit.

Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, usually caused by an infection. It can result in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Fluid volume deficit refers to the loss of fluids from the body, leading to decreased circulating blood volume and insufficient hydration.

Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial, especially in young children who are more susceptible to dehydration. Dehydration can lead to serious complications, such as electrolyte imbalance, kidney problems, and even shock. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize addressing the fluid volume deficit to restore and maintain hydration in the child.

To address the fluid volume deficit, the nurse should focus on interventions that promote rehydration. This may include offering oral rehydration solutions (ORS) that contain a balanced amount of water, salt, and sugar to replace fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea. If the child is unable to tolerate oral intake or experiences severe dehydration, intravenous (IV) fluids may need to be administered in a healthcare facility.

The other client problems listed are also important, but they are not as time-sensitive as fluid volume deficit. Imbalanced nutrition can be addressed once rehydration is achieved, as the child’s ability to eat and digest food will improve. Similarly, knowledge deficit and the risk for infection can be addressed in a more gradual and long-term manner once the immediate concern of fluid volume deficit has been addressed.

In summary, the priority client problem for the 5-year-old child diagnosed with gastroenteritis is fluid volume deficit due to the risk of dehydration and associated complications. Restoring and maintaining hydration should be the primary focus of care.

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