On the scene of a medical emergency, you are directed to a 5-month-old baby in his crib. He responds to painful stimuli by whimpering and he is breathing at a rate of 50 breaths per minute. His airway is open and his brachial pulse is fast, weak, and difficult to locate. Assessment of his skin reveals it to be cool and pale in color. According to the mother, he has had vomiting and diarrhea for four days. She also reports that the father of the baby is a diabetic. Based on this information, the EMT would recognize what condition?

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The symptoms described suggest the baby is in shock, likely due to severe dehydration and possibly sepsis from the vomiting and diarrhea. The weak, fast pulse and cool, pale skin are signs of inadequate circulation, and the fast breathing is likely due to the body's attempt to compensate for the low oxygen levels caused by poor circulation. The EMT should initiate treatment for shock, including supplemental oxygen, fluid resuscitation, and transport to a hospital for further evaluation and treatment. Hypoglycemia, cardiac arrest, and heart failure are less likely causes of the baby's symptoms based on the information provided.

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