A 6-year-old is brought into the emergency room with severe diarrhea. What is the priority nursing action?

Explanation

•Treatment focuses on rehydration and regulating electrolyte balance by oral or IV solutions.

•Fluid must be given to replace the deficit that has occurred and to replace the continuing loss until the diarrhea improves.

•All children with severe diarrhea should have a stool culture taken to rule out infectious disease and to help guide proper antibiotic therapy. However, rehydration is the priority.

•Administering ordered medications is important, but rehydrating the patient is a priority.

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