NURSING CASE STUDY
Pediatric Dehydration & Fever
Assessment • Clinical Reasoning • Nursing Care Plan
Original educational resource
Fictional patient scenario • Created for study and revision
, Original Nursing Case Study • Educational Study Resource
1. Case Overview
Purpose: This case study demonstrates how a nursing student can organize assessment findings,
identify priorities, plan patient-centered care, and evaluate outcomes in a child presenting with fever
and dehydration.
Important note: The patient and clinical data in this resource are fictional and created for educational
use. They are not a substitute for local clinical protocols, instructor guidance, or individualized medical
care.
• Patient: Aisha K., 6-year-old child
• Setting: Pediatric emergency/observation unit
• Presenting concerns: fever, reduced oral intake, vomiting, weakness and decreased urine output
• Working clinical focus: fluid deficit associated with acute gastrointestinal illness, with ongoing
assessment for infection and deterioration
• Nursing priorities: airway/breathing/circulation check, hydration status, temperature, mental status,
intake/output, safety and family education
Learning Objectives
By the end of the case, the learner should be
able to:
• Recognize assessment findings that may indicate dehydration in a child.
• Prioritize nursing problems using current clinical findings.
• Develop measurable nursing goals and appropriate monitoring actions.
• Explain why intake/output, reassessment and caregiver education are important.
• Document changes clearly and communicate concerns to the healthcare team.
Page 2
Pediatric Dehydration & Fever
Assessment • Clinical Reasoning • Nursing Care Plan
Original educational resource
Fictional patient scenario • Created for study and revision
, Original Nursing Case Study • Educational Study Resource
1. Case Overview
Purpose: This case study demonstrates how a nursing student can organize assessment findings,
identify priorities, plan patient-centered care, and evaluate outcomes in a child presenting with fever
and dehydration.
Important note: The patient and clinical data in this resource are fictional and created for educational
use. They are not a substitute for local clinical protocols, instructor guidance, or individualized medical
care.
• Patient: Aisha K., 6-year-old child
• Setting: Pediatric emergency/observation unit
• Presenting concerns: fever, reduced oral intake, vomiting, weakness and decreased urine output
• Working clinical focus: fluid deficit associated with acute gastrointestinal illness, with ongoing
assessment for infection and deterioration
• Nursing priorities: airway/breathing/circulation check, hydration status, temperature, mental status,
intake/output, safety and family education
Learning Objectives
By the end of the case, the learner should be
able to:
• Recognize assessment findings that may indicate dehydration in a child.
• Prioritize nursing problems using current clinical findings.
• Develop measurable nursing goals and appropriate monitoring actions.
• Explain why intake/output, reassessment and caregiver education are important.
• Document changes clearly and communicate concerns to the healthcare team.
Page 2
