A patient with suspected necrotizing enterocolitis requires immediate management. What should be administered first?

In the management of suspected necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), the priority is to initiate broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics as soon as possible. NEC is a serious gastrointestinal condition that can lead to intestinal perforation and sepsis, and timely antibiotic administration helps to combat the potential bacterial overgrowth and infection associated with this condition.

Starting antibiotics quickly is essential in stabilizing the patient and preventing the progression of the disease, which can deteriorate rapidly. While fluid resuscitation and other supportive measures are important in the overall management plan, addressing the infection is paramount in the initial management of NEC.

Although consulting pediatric surgery is a critical step in NEC management for cases requiring surgical intervention, the immediate step in this scenario is focused on antibiotic therapy. Ensuring that the patient is stabilized with the appropriate medication takes precedence over procedural consultations or resuscitation fluids at this very early stage of management.