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

A. Rehydrate. Rehydration is critical in managing severe diarrhea to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can be life-threatening. B. Assess fluid balance. Assessing fluid balance is important but comes after initiating rehydration to ensure ongoing monitoring and adjustment of the fluid therapy. C. Maintain fluid therapy. Maintaining fluid therapy is essential but should follow the initial step of rehydration. D. Introduce a regular diet. Introducing a regular diet should only be considered after the child's fluid and electrolyte balance is restored.