A 2-year-old female has experienced a seizure and is clinging to her mother with hot, moist skin. What should you do?

The correct approach in this scenario is to cool the child with tepid water and transport her to the hospital. In a situation where a child has a seizure and exhibits signs like hot, moist skin, it is crucial to manage the child's body temperature. Tepid water can help gently lower the child's fever without causing the shivering that might occur with the use of cold water, which can be counterproductive and create additional discomfort or stress for the child.

This method is also safe and appropriate for a young child, especially given that the goal is to stabilize her condition before reaching a medical facility. Rapid transportation to a hospital is essential for further evaluation and treatment, particularly since she has had a seizure, which could indicate an underlying medical issue.

In contrast, allowing the mother to drive to the hospital is not advisable, as this could delay the immediate care the child may need. Suspecting meningitis is valid in a differential diagnosis, but the immediate priority should be to address the child's temperature and seizure. Placing the child in cold water is not recommended as it may lead to complications such as hypothermia or shock, which could worsen her overall condition.