Which observation would indicate dehydration requiring staff attention?

Which observation would indicate dehydration requiring staff attention?

• A. Normal urine output
• B. Frequent urination with clear urine
• C. Stable blood pressure
• D. Dark yellow urine, dry mouth, dizziness

Answer: (D)

Dehydration shows up as a fluid volume deficit, so the strongest signal here is a combination of signs that the body is conserving water and losing volume: dark yellow urine indicates concentrated urine from low fluid intake, dry mouth shows reduced saliva from dehydration, and dizziness can result from reduced circulating blood volume. Together, these point to dehydration that needs staff attention, prompting actions like encouraging fluids, monitoring intake and output, and checking vital signs. Normal urine output suggests adequate hydration, frequent urination with clear urine points away from dehydration and could reflect adequate hydration or other issues, and stable blood pressure on its own isn’t a definitive sign of dehydration.

Dehydration shows up as a fluid volume deficit, so the strongest signal here is a combination of signs that the body is conserving water and losing volume: dark yellow urine indicates concentrated urine from low fluid intake, dry mouth shows reduced saliva from dehydration, and dizziness can result from reduced circulating blood volume. Together, these point to dehydration that needs staff attention, prompting actions like encouraging fluids, monitoring intake and output, and checking vital signs.

Normal urine output suggests adequate hydration, frequent urination with clear urine points away from dehydration and could reflect adequate hydration or other issues, and stable blood pressure on its own isn’t a definitive sign of dehydration.