Of all of the following clients, the nurse recognizes that the individ

Of all of the following clients, the nurse recognizes that the individual who is most at risk for a fluid volume deficit is:

1. A 6-month-old learning to drink from a cup
2. A 12-year-old who is moderately active in 80° F weather
3. A 42-year-old with severe diarrhea
4. A 90-year-old with frequent headaches

ANSWER

ANS: 3
The client at greatest risk for a fluid volume deficit is the client who has severe diarrhea. Any condition that results in the loss of gastrointestinal (GI) fluids predisposes the client to dehydra-tion and a variety of electrolyte disturbances. The very young are at risk for a fluid volume defi-cit because their body water loss is proportionately greater per kilogram of weight. A 12-year-old who is moderately active in warm weather will lose body water through sweating. The very old are at increased risk for fluid volume deficit as they have a decreased thirst sensation and a de-creased number of filtering nephrons.