Which assessment is applicable to the care of a child with herpetic gingivostomatitis?

a.
Comparison of range of motion for the upper and lower extremities
b.
Urine output, mucous membranes, and skin turgor
c.
Growth pattern since birth
d.
Bowel elimination pattern

ANS: B

The child with herpetic gingivostomatitis is at risk for fluid volume deficit. Painful lesions on the mouth make drinking unpleasant and undesirable, with subsequent dehydration becoming a real danger. An oral herpetic infection does not affect joint function. Herpetic gingivostomatitis is not a chronic disorder that would affect the child’s long-term growth pattern. Although constipation could be caused by dehydration, it is more important to assess urine output, skin turgor, and mucous membranes to identify dehydration before constipation is a problem.