Short Answer 
The child is diagnosed with hypovolemic shock, indicated by low heart rate and blood pressure, and requires immediate treatment with blood products to restore blood volume. Following this, interventions like vasopressors and hypertonic saline may be considered, and continuous monitoring of vital signs is essential during care.
Step 1: Identify Hypovolemic Shock
In this scenario, the 8-year-old child is experiencing signs of hypovolemic shock, characterized by a significant loss of blood or fluids. Indicators include a low heart rate (54 beats/minute) and hypotension (blood pressure of 74/40 mm Hg), which suggest insufficient blood circulation. Additionally, the child’s warm, dry extremities and diaphoretic face illustrate the body’s compensatory mechanisms in response to inadequate blood volume.
Step 2: Prioritize Treatment Interventions
The immediate and crucial intervention for this child is to restore blood volume by administering blood products. This is critical for ensuring adequate oxygen delivery to tissues. Along with blood products, the following treatments may be considered later:
- Vasopressors to increase blood pressure (after volume resuscitation).
- Hypertonic saline solutions in specific critical care situations.
- Corticosteroids, which are generally not applicable in this scenario.
Step 3: Implement Immediate Care
Begin the treatment by providing a timely transfusion of blood products to effectively address the child’s hypovolemic shock. This priority intervention enhances circulatory volume and stabilizes the child’s condition, making it a vital step in emergency care. Monitoring vital signs continuously during treatment will help assess the effectiveness of the interventions and guide further actions.