Before administering intravenous potassium chloride to a severely dehydrated child, what must the nurse do?

Before administering intravenous potassium chloride to a severely dehydrated child, checking urine output is critical. This is because potassium chloride can have significant effects on the kidneys and electrolyte balance; therefore, ensuring that the child has adequate renal function is essential.

A decreased urine output can indicate that the kidneys may not be able to handle additional potassium, leading to hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood that can cause serious complications, including cardiac arrhythmias. Evaluating urine output also helps assess the child's overall hydration status and kidney perfusion, which are crucial factors when considering the administration of potassium supplements.

Assessing skin turgor, measuring blood pressure, and assessing capillary refill are also important assessments in managing dehydration but do not provide specific information regarding the child’s ability to excrete potassium. Focusing on urine output directly relates to the safe administration of potassium chloride.