Which statement best describes signs of dehydration?

• A. Poor skin turgor, dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, weakness, lethargy
• B. Edema and crackles
• C. Polyuria with normal hydration
• D. Jaundice and pruritus

Answer: (D)

Dehydration reduces circulating fluid volume, so the body shows signs of fluid deficit. Poor skin turgor and dry mucous membranes reflect loss of interstitial and mucosal fluids. The heart speeds up to compensate for reduced volume, leading to tachycardia, and orthostatic hypotension can occur with positional changes as blood pressure becomes unstable. Weakness and lethargy arise from decreased organ perfusion and electrolyte imbalances. Edema and crackles indicate fluid overload rather than deficit. Polyuria with normal hydration isn’t dehydration; jaundice and pruritus point to liver or biliary disease. So the signs that best describe dehydration are the ones involving fluid loss signs like poor skin turgor, dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, weakness, and lethargy.