A 6-month-old infant is being transported via air for severe dehydration secondary to gastroenteritis. Upon assessment, the infant is lethargic, has sunken eyes, and poor skin turgor. What is the most appropriate initial management for this patient?
Administration of antibiotic therapy
Monitoring vital signs closely without fluid resuscitation
Fluid resuscitation with isotonic fluids
Initiating fluid therapy with a glucose-containing solution
The correct answer is fluid resuscitation with isotonic fluids, such as normal saline or lactated Ringer's solution. Starting fluid therapy with isotonic solutions helps rapidly restore intravascular volume and improve perfusion. Administering a glucose-containing solution may be useful later, but initial management should focus on addressing hypovolemia. Monitoring vital signs is important but is a secondary step after initiating fluid resuscitation. Antibiotic administration is not the initial priority unless there is a clear indication of bacterial infection.
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