What is the best way to ensure adequate fluid intake for a toddler with nausea and diarrhea?

Offering oral rehydration solutions (ORS) is the best way to ensure adequate fluid intake for a toddler experiencing nausea and diarrhea. ORS are specifically formulated to replace lost fluids and electrolytes effectively, which is crucial in managing dehydration caused by these conditions.

In cases of vomiting and diarrhea, maintaining hydration is paramount. ORS contain a balanced mixture of water, salts, and sugars, allowing for optimal absorption in the intestines. This is particularly important for toddlers, who are more susceptible to dehydration due to their smaller fluid reserves.

While other options may seem viable, they are less effective for this situation. Keeping the child NPO (nothing by mouth) could lead to further dehydration. Likewise, using hypotonic solutions intravenously might not provide the electrolytes needed, and hypertonic solutions can exacerbate dehydration and lead to electrolyte imbalances. Offering gelatin and ice pops, while they may provide some hydration, does not deliver the precise electrolyte composition required for effective rehydration like ORS does. Thus, ORS is the most reliable method to ensure proper rehydration for toddlers under these circumstances.