What is the appropriate response if a newborn presents with signs of dehydration?

When a newborn shows signs of dehydration, the most appropriate response is to contact the baby's physician. This is crucial because dehydration in infants can escalate quickly and may lead to serious complications such as electrolyte imbalances, metabolic disturbances, and in severe cases, shock. Infants have a higher risk of rapid fluid loss due to their smaller body size and higher surface area relative to volume. Hence, medical professionals need to evaluate the situation properly and may require further interventions such as intravenous fluids or close monitoring in a clinical setting.

While increasing fluid intake at home and administering oral rehydration salts might seem appropriate for older children or adults, they could be contraindicated or inadequate for a newborn. Additionally, simply waiting for 24 hours to monitor a potentially dehydrated newborn without professional guidance poses a risk, as it may delay necessary treatment. Therefore, engaging the baby's physician ensures that the infant receives the appropriate care and monitoring needed in such critical situations.