What is the primary concern for an infant with signs of dehydration?

For an infant exhibiting signs of dehydration, maintaining hydration is the primary concern. Dehydration in infants can quickly lead to severe complications due to their small body size and higher fluid turnover. When dehydration is present, the infant loses essential fluids, which can result in a decrease in urine output, dry mucous membranes, and potential shock if not addressed.

Ensuring that the infant receives adequate fluids—either through oral rehydration solutions or intravenous fluids if necessary—is crucial for restoring normal fluid balance and preventing further health issues. Therefore, the focus should be on rehydrating the infant and monitoring their fluid intake closely to ensure recovery.

Other considerations, such as managing fever or focusing on weight gain, are important in the overall health care of the infant, but they take a backseat to the immediate need to correct dehydration, as failure to do so can lead to more serious health risks. Increased appetite may not be present in a dehydrated infant, as they may be lethargic or unwilling to feed typically. Thus, maintaining hydration is the most critical aspect in this scenario.