Case study: Infant with gastroenteritis and dehydration. A 10-month-old with vomiting and diarrhea has no tears, a sunken fontanel, and delayed capillary refill. Which finding in this case is the highest priority for the nurse to address first?

Question

Accepted Answer

B. moderate-to-severe dehydration — In this case, the highest-priority finding is moderate-to-severe dehydration because it most directly threatens safety or signals clinical deterioration.

Answer

A. single loose stool after rehydration

Answer

C. desire to be held by the parent

Answer

D. mild irritability when hungry