Which of the following is a sign of fluid volume deficit?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a sign of fluid volume deficit?

When the body is low on fluid, you’re dealing with fluid volume deficit. A hallmark of dehydration is loss of extracellular fluid, which shows up most clearly as weight loss and a decrease in skin turgor. Weight loss reflects the actual loss of body water, and the skin becomes less elastic and tenting persists longer when you pinch it, indicating dehydration. Oliguria can occur with dehydration because the kidneys conserve water, but it isn’t as specific to fluid deficit and can arise from other problems. Edema points to fluid overload, not deficit, since excess fluid accumulates in tissues. A bounding pulse usually suggests increased stroke volume or vasodilation, which isn’t typical of a volume-depleted state where the pulse is more likely to be rapid and weak. So, weight loss with decreased skin turgor best signals a deficit in body fluid.

When the body is low on fluid, you’re dealing with fluid volume deficit. A hallmark of dehydration is loss of extracellular fluid, which shows up most clearly as weight loss and a decrease in skin turgor. Weight loss reflects the actual loss of body water, and the skin becomes less elastic and tenting persists longer when you pinch it, indicating dehydration.

Oliguria can occur with dehydration because the kidneys conserve water, but it isn’t as specific to fluid deficit and can arise from other problems. Edema points to fluid overload, not deficit, since excess fluid accumulates in tissues. A bounding pulse usually suggests increased stroke volume or vasodilation, which isn’t typical of a volume-depleted state where the pulse is more likely to be rapid and weak.

So, weight loss with decreased skin turgor best signals a deficit in body fluid.

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