Which clinical sign indicates further education is needed regarding an infant treated for dehydration?

Which clinical sign indicates further education is needed regarding an infant treated for dehydration?

• A. Presence of tears
• B. Flat anterior fontanel
• C. Skin elasticity
• D. Cold extremities

Answer: (B)

The flat anterior fontanel is a clinical sign that can indicate further education is needed regarding an infant treated for dehydration. A flat fontanel is typically expected in a well-hydrated infant; however, if it is persistently flat or tense, it can be a sign of dehydration or other underlying issues. In an infant recovering from dehydration, the anterior fontanel should begin to return to a normal state (slightly concave) as hydration levels improve. In contrast, the presence of tears suggests that the infant is adequately hydrated, as tear production usually resumes when hydration is restored. Skin elasticity is another indicator of hydration status; good skin turgor is observed when an infant is well-hydrated. Cold extremities can indicate poor circulation or other concerns, but if observed in isolation, they do not exclusively point to a need for further education on hydration status. Thus, the flat anterior fontanel represents a specific sign that warrants additional attention and education regarding the infant's hydration and overall well-being.

The flat anterior fontanel is a clinical sign that can indicate further education is needed regarding an infant treated for dehydration. A flat fontanel is typically expected in a well-hydrated infant; however, if it is persistently flat or tense, it can be a sign of dehydration or other underlying issues. In an infant recovering from dehydration, the anterior fontanel should begin to return to a normal state (slightly concave) as hydration levels improve.

In contrast, the presence of tears suggests that the infant is adequately hydrated, as tear production usually resumes when hydration is restored. Skin elasticity is another indicator of hydration status; good skin turgor is observed when an infant is well-hydrated. Cold extremities can indicate poor circulation or other concerns, but if observed in isolation, they do not exclusively point to a need for further education on hydration status. Thus, the flat anterior fontanel represents a specific sign that warrants additional attention and education regarding the infant's hydration and overall well-being.