Final answer:
A nurse should offer a toddler with acute diarrhea and moderate dehydration an oral rehydration solution (ORS), followed by gradual reintroduction to their normal diet. Rehydration is critical, and subsequent nutritional support may be necessary to address undernutrition.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a toddler is experiencing acute diarrhea with moderate dehydration, the nurse should offer an oral rehydration solution (ORS), which is a mixture of water, salts, and sugar. This solution is designed to quickly replace fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhea. It's important to avoid offering foods or drinks high in simple sugars, such as soda or juice, as they may worsen diarrhea. Once rehydration is achieved, the child should be gradually reintroduced to their normal diet, starting with bland, simple to digest foods such as toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce.
Continued rehydration and careful monitoring of the child's hydration status are crucial. The functionality of ORS is closely tied to its properties, including the right balance of electrolytes, which are critical for health and well-being, especially in children. After initial rehydration therapy, further nutritional support may be needed to address any ongoing undernutrition that could worsen the condition.