Which laboratory finding would most concern a nurse caring for a child with significant dehydration?

Which laboratory finding would most concern a nurse caring for a child with significant dehydration?

• A. Increased glucose level
• B. High hemoglobin level
• C. Elevated creatinine level
• D. Low blood pressure

Answer: (C)

In the context of significant dehydration in a child, an elevated creatinine level is particularly concerning because it is indicative of impaired kidney function. Creatinine is a waste product that is normally filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. When dehydration occurs, the kidneys may not function optimally due to reduced blood volume, leading to an accumulation of creatinine in the bloodstream. This increase suggests that the kidneys are struggling to filter waste properly, which can have serious implications for the child's overall health. Monitoring renal function is critical in a dehydrated patient, as dehydration can lead to acute kidney injury if not addressed promptly. Thus, an elevated creatinine level signals a need for immediate intervention to restore hydration and ensure adequate kidney perfusion. While other lab findings may have their own significance, they do not directly reflect the immediate concerns associated with dehydration and its effect on kidney function as sharply as creatinine levels do.

In the context of significant dehydration in a child, an elevated creatinine level is particularly concerning because it is indicative of impaired kidney function. Creatinine is a waste product that is normally filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. When dehydration occurs, the kidneys may not function optimally due to reduced blood volume, leading to an accumulation of creatinine in the bloodstream. This increase suggests that the kidneys are struggling to filter waste properly, which can have serious implications for the child's overall health.

Monitoring renal function is critical in a dehydrated patient, as dehydration can lead to acute kidney injury if not addressed promptly. Thus, an elevated creatinine level signals a need for immediate intervention to restore hydration and ensure adequate kidney perfusion.

While other lab findings may have their own significance, they do not directly reflect the immediate concerns associated with dehydration and its effect on kidney function as sharply as creatinine levels do.