Which signs indicate severe dehydration in infants?

• A. Irritability
• B. Lethargy, Sunken Fontanel, Poor Feeding, Tachycardic, Tachypneic
• C. Normal Feeding
• D. Dry Diapers

Answer: (B)

Severe dehydration in infants is best identified by multiple signs across different body systems that reflect low circulating volume and reduced perfusion. Lethargy shows the infant isn’t maintaining normal responsiveness, which can indicate brain hypoperfusion. A sunken fontanel is a classic physical cue of significant fluid loss. Poor feeding signals decreased energy and intake, which often accompanies dehydration in babies. Tachycardia is the heart’s compensatory response to reduced blood volume, trying to maintain organ perfusion, and tachypnea can occur as a result of metabolic changes and stress on the body from dehydration. When these clues appear together, they point to a more serious, potentially life-threatening level of dehydration requiring urgent evaluation and treatment.

Single signs like irritability, normal feeding, or dry diapers alone are less specific; they can occur with milder dehydration or other conditions, and do not convey the same level of severity as the combination described.