Which activity is most appropriate for developing fine motor skills in the school-age child?

The correct answer is choice C.

Choice C rationale:

Placing the avulsed tooth in cold milk is the most suitable medium for transporting it to the dentist. Cold milk helps preserve the viability of the tooth's cells and tissues, which is crucial for successful reimplantation. The temperature and composition of cold milk provide a suitable environment to prevent cell damage.

Choice A rationale:

Placing the tooth in a dry, clean jar is not recommended. A dry environment can cause the tooth's cells to dry out and become nonviable, making reimplantation less successful.

Choice B rationale:

Warm salt water is not the optimal choice for transporting an avulsed tooth. Warm water can cause damage to the tooth's cells, and salt water may not provide the necessary conditions to maintain the tooth's viability.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the tooth in cold water might seem logical, but it is not as effective as cold milk. Cold water lacks the protective properties and nutrients that milk provides, potentially leading to a higher risk of cell damage in the avulsed tooth.

The correct answer is choice C: Oral rehydration solution (ORS).

Choice A rationale:

Clear liquids, 1 to 2 ounces at a time, might not be sufficient to adequately rehydrate a child with severe dehydration. Clear liquids lack the necessary electrolytes and glucose content to effectively combat dehydration and replace lost fluids.

Choice B rationale:

Administration of antidiarrheal medication is not the initial step in managing severe dehydration caused by acute diarrhea and vomiting. Antidiarrheal medications can slow down the gastrointestinal motility, which may exacerbate the problem by delaying the elimination of the causative agent and prolonging the dehydration.

Choice C rationale:

Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is the recommended initial intervention for managing severe dehydration caused by acute diarrhea and vomiting. ORS contains the appropriate balance of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) and glucose to replace lost fluids and electrolytes, thereby helping to rehydrate the child effectively. It is absorbed even when digestion is impaired due to the illness.

Choice D rationale:

Intravenous fluids might be necessary if the child's condition is very severe and oral intake cannot be maintained. However, it's not the first-line intervention. Oral rehydration is preferred whenever feasible because it is less invasive and can be administered even in mild to moderate dehydration cases.