NR 328 EXAM #2 PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH RATIONALE GRADED A+

What factor predisposes an infant to fluid imbalances? a. Immature kidney functioning b. Decreased surface area c. Lower metabolic rate d. Decreased daily exchange of extracellular fluid Answer: A Rationale: The infant’s kidneys are functionally immature at birth and are inefficient in excreting waste products of metabolism. Infants have a relatively high body surface area (BSA) compared with adults. This allows a higher loss of fluid to the environment. A higher metabolic rate is present as a result of the higher BSA in relation to active metabolic tissue. The higher metabolic rate increases heat production, which results in greater insensible water loss. Infants have a greater exchange of extracellular fluid, leaving them with a reduced fluid reserve in conditions of dehydration.