# A 2-year-old with gastroenteritis has moderate dehydration and can drink. Oral rehydration therapy is prescribed. For each group, select all responses that apply.

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=620047&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Postsurgical Complications  
> category: ROR

## Question

A 2-year-old with gastroenteritis has moderate dehydration and can drink. Oral rehydration therapy is prescribed. For each group, select all responses that apply.

Initial rehydration

Give oral rehydration solution in small, frequent amounts

Replace the solution with diluted apple juice

Use a spoon or oral syringe if the child refuses a cup

Give fluid only when the child reports thirst

Ongoing assessment

Monitor urine output and concentration

Obtain serial weights using the same scale and conditions

Check blood glucose every 2 hours without another indication

Use absence of tears as the sole measure of hydration

## Explanation

Give oral rehydration solution in small, frequent amounts; a spoon or oral syringe can improve tolerance. Do not wait for thirst or substitute a high-sugar drink for a balanced oral rehydration solution. Follow response with serial weight and urine-output assessment. A fixed two-hour glucose schedule is not indicated without a glucose concern, and no single physical sign should be used alone to judge hydration.

## In-depth explanation

Quick answer
Give oral rehydration solution in small, frequent amounts; a spoon or oral syringe can improve tolerance. Do not wait for thirst or substitute a high-sugar drink for a balanced oral rehydration solution. Follow response with serial weight and urine-output assessment. A fixed two-hour glucose schedule is not indicated without a glucose concern, and no single physical sign should be used alone to judge hydration.
Key cues
Use only the findings, timing, and orders stated in the scenario.
Clinical reasoning
Apply the requested nursing decision to this client rather than relying on a broad disease label.
Why the alternatives do not fit
The remaining responses are contradicted by the scenario, mistimed, outside scope, or unsafe.
Priority and safety
Address immediate threats first and reassess after intervention.
Takeaway
Choose only actions supported at this exact point in care.
**Sources**
- Open RN Nursing Skills 2e

## Clinical scenario

A 2-year-old with gastroenteritis has moderate dehydration and can drink. Oral rehydration therapy is prescribed. For each group, select all responses that apply.

## Key concepts

- **oral rehydration therapy** — oral rehydration therapy is a key clinical concept for assessing and managing pediatric dehydration.
- **moderate dehydration** — moderate dehydration is a key clinical concept for assessing and managing pediatric dehydration.
- **acute gastroenteritis** — acute gastroenteritis is a key clinical concept for assessing and managing pediatric dehydration.

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