To evaluate mild fluid volume deficit in a toddler, which intervention should the nurse implement?

The most effective intervention to evaluate mild fluid volume deficit in a toddler is to weigh diapers. This method provides a direct measurement of fluid output, allowing the nurse to quantify any potential fluid loss. By weighing the wet diaper before and after use, the nurse can determine the volume of urine excreted, which is essential in identifying fluid deficits, especially in a pediatric population where signs of dehydration might be less apparent.

In the context of a toddler, weighing their diapers provides objective data that informs treatment decisions and helps monitor fluid balance more accurately. It’s particularly valuable because toddlers might not communicate their symptoms or the amount of fluid they are consuming or losing effectively.

While assessing anterior fontanel can provide some information about hydration status, it is more applicable to infants and may not be as reliable in toddlers. Checking skin turgor can indicate dehydration, but it can be subjective and less accurate in young children due to their skin elasticity. Palpating the posterior fontanel is not relevant for toddlers, as this fontanel typically closes by 2-3 months of age. Thus, weighing diapers offers a precise and practical approach to gauge fluid volume deficit in this age group.