Final answer:
The nurse should prioritize administering intravenous fluids to a client with severe dehydration, specifically isotonic saline solution, to rapidly restore fluid balance and prevent severe complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse admitting a client who presents with severe dehydration should prioritize administering intravenous fluids. This initial action is crucial because it helps to rapidly restore the patient's fluid balance. When a dehydrated human patient needs to be given fluids intravenously, saline at a concentration that is isotonic with respect to body fluids is often given. This isotonic saline solution helps to correct dehydration by replenishing the body fluids without causing imbalances in electrolyte concentrations.
Dehydration can lead to low blood-pressure, confusion, thirst, and in severe cases, shock. Particularly, when patients present with signs indicative of hypovolemic shock, such as a blood pressure of 70/45, immediate fluid resuscitation with intravenous solutions is vital. The water in cells moves into the blood to compensate for the low blood-volume, and cells shrink, leading to the aforementioned symptoms.
Correction of dehydration is a medical emergency that involves the administration of ordinary NaCl solution or, in certain cases, a mixture of isotonic saline and Na lactate intravenously. This rapid intervention is necessary to prevent severe complications such as loss of consciousness or even death.