Final answer:
The best nutritional item for a toddler with moderate dehydration due to diarrhea is an oral rehydration solution, which replenishes necessary fluids and electrolytes. Intravenous fluids may be used in severe cases of dehydration.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a toddler experiencing acute diarrhea and moderate dehydration, the most appropriate nutritional item to offer would be an oral rehydration solution (ORS). ORS is a specialized formulation containing a balanced mix of water, salts, and sugar, which is essential for rehydrating and replenishing the body's fluids and electrolytes.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, managing acute gastroenteritis among children with ORS is a critical intervention. Additionally, Julius G.K. Goepp, MD, from Johns Hopkins Hospital, emphasizes the significance of oral electrolyte maintenance solutions in protecting child health, noting their role in preventing dehydration if administered at the onset of illness.
It is important to avoid providing just water or non-electrolyte fluids as they do not contain the necessary electrolytes needed for rehydration. In extreme cases of dehydration where oral intake is not possible, intravenous fluids, such as isotonic saline, may be administered. However, this is typically done in a hospital setting under medical supervision.