What is the nurse's next priority action for a client with diabetic ketoacidosis exhibiting hot, dry skin, and minimal urine output?

In a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) presenting with hot, dry skin and minimal urine output, the priority action is to administer a normal saline infusion. This step is crucial because DKA is associated with significant dehydration due to excessive urination and hyperglycemia, leading to osmotic diuresis. The combination of dehydration and the patient's clinical presentation necessitates rapid rehydration to restore intravascular volume, improve tissue perfusion, and potentially stabilize electrolyte imbalances.

Normal saline serves to rehydrate the patient and help dilute the elevated blood glucose levels, which reduces the overall stress on the kidneys and promotes urine output. While administering insulin is vital for correcting hyperglycemia, initiating fluid replacement is typically prioritized to address the life-threatening dehydration present in DKA.

In addition, any background assessments like obtaining a urine sample for urinalysis or requesting potassium infusion may be necessary later in the management process, but the primary focus must first be on rehydration before other interventions can effectively take place. Therefore, initiating a normal saline infusion is the appropriate next step in managing this patient's condition.