A nurse is planning care for a child who has severe diarrhea. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

A. Assess fluid balance: Although assessment is important, rehydration takes priority to address the acute loss of fluids and electrolytes. B. Maintain fluid therapy: Fluid therapy maintenance is secondary to initiating rehydration. C. Introduce a regular diet: Diet modification is less critical than rehydration in the acute phase. D. Rehydrate: Rehydration addresses the immediate risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance caused by severe diarrhea.