Which of the following laboratory values would a nurse closely monitor in a four

Which of the following laboratory values would a nurse closely monitor in a four-year-old child who has acute gastroenteritis?

Which of the following laboratory values would a nurse closely monitor in a four-year-old child who has acute gastroenteritis?

A. Serum amylase

B. Serum potassium

C. Total bilirubin

D. Hemoglobin level

Answer B.

Explanation: The most serious consequences of acute diarrheal disease are dehydration, electrolyte disturbances and malnutrition. Therapeutic management of acute diarrheal disease (acute gastroenteritis) is directed at correcting the fluid and electrolyte imbalance and preventing or treating malnutrition. Since the child with acute diarrheal disease loses potassium, he/she should be evaluated for hypokalemia.