Question

You are assessing a​ 20-month-old child with a reported history of 36 hours of fever and coughing. The child is upset and​ crying, but you do not notice tears. What is the significance of the lack of​ tears?

Answer 1

The lack of tears in a crying child could indicate dehydration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The lack of tears in a crying child with a reported history of fever and coughing could be significant and indicate dehydration. Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands and their absence could suggest decreased fluid intake or fluid loss. In this case, the child's upset and crying behavior, along with the lack of tears, may be an indication of a serious underlying condition requiring medical attention.