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.
• Fluids must be given to correct the deficit that has occurred and to replace the continuing loss until diarrhea improves.
Incorrect options:
• 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 first priority.
• Administering ordered medications is important, but rehydrating the patient is the priority.