A male infant with a 2-day history of fever and diarrhea is brought to the clinic by his mother who tells the nurse that the child refuses to drink anything. The nurse determines that the child has a weak cry with no tears. Which prescription is most important for the nurse to implement?

A. Infusing normal saline intravenously is crucial as the infant shows signs of dehydration (weak cry, no tears), and intravenous fluids are necessary to restore hydration and electrolyte balance.B. Applying an external cooling blanket may be necessary to manage fever but does not address the dehydration issue.C. Providing an electrolyte solution is helpful, but given the infant’s refusal to drink, IV fluids are more immediate and effective.D. Administering an antipyretic rectally might help manage fever but does not address the dehydration or fluid needs.