What is indicated for a child with diarrhea and vomiting who is unable to retain fluids?

In the scenario of a child experiencing diarrhea and vomiting who is unable to retain fluids, intravenous fluids are indicated as the appropriate intervention. This is primarily due to the severity of the child's condition, where the loss of fluids can lead to dehydration, which can be critical in young children.

When a child cannot keep fluids down orally due to persistent vomiting, oral rehydration would not be effective as the fluids would not be retained. Intravenous fluids allow for immediate and controlled rehydration, helping to restore electrolyte balance and hydration status safely and efficiently. This method also bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring that the child receives necessary fluids directly into circulation.

While antibiotics and anti-emetics might be considered in specific cases, they are not the primary treatment in this situation. Antibiotics are generally reserved for bacterial infections contributing to diarrhea and are not indicated unless there is a clear infectious etiology. Anti-emetics might provide symptomatic relief for vomiting, but they do not address the urgent need for hydration and would not be appropriate if the child remains unable to hold any fluids down.