A 1-year-old male has coarctation of his aorta and is diaphoretic. What should you do first?

In the case of a 1-year-old male with coarctation of the aorta who is diaphoretic, the first action should be to administer oxygen. The presence of diaphoresis in a young child with this condition may indicate compromised perfusion or inadequate cardiac output. Administering oxygen ensures that the child receives adequate oxygenation to support vital organ function, which is critical in an emergency situation.

Coarctation of the aorta can lead to significant discrepancies in blood flow and pressure, causing potential cyanosis and respiratory distress. Providing supplemental oxygen is a rapid intervention that can help mitigate hypoxia and improve the overall oxygen delivery to tissues, especially in the context of cardiovascular compromise.

While other interventions might also be necessary as part of the overall management, the priority in this acute setting is to address potential hypoxia to stabilize the patient's condition.