A nurse is assisting with the care of a child who is in status asthmaticus. Which of the following medications should the nurse administer first?

Rationale:

A) Hyperactivity is not typically associated with a postictal state after a seizure.

Instead, the child may appear lethargic or drowsy.

B) Nystagmus, or rapid, involuntary eye movements, is not typically seen in the postictal state following a seizure.

C) Apnea, or cessation of breathing, may occur during the seizure itself but is not typically a postictal finding.

D) Amnesia, or memory loss, is a common postictal finding after a seizure, particularly in complex partial seizures or psychomotor seizures.

Rationale:

A. Skin turgor assessment is important in assessing dehydration, but the priority is addressing the tachycardia first.

B. Potassium level is important in managing electrolyte imbalance in gastroenteritis, but the priority is addressing the elevated heart rate first.

C. Capillary refill is an important assessment for circulation, but the priority is addressing the elevated heart rate first.

D. The elevated heart rate (tachycardia) indicates increased workload on the heart, likely due to dehydration or other complications of gastroenteritis. This requires immediate attention to stabilize the infant's condition.