How do you know if someone is dehydrated?

How do you know if someone is dehydrated?

• A. Dark-colored urine, decreased urination, headaches, fatigue, dry skin, decreased skin turgor, and poor concentration
• B. Clear urine with frequent urination
• C. Normal skin turgor and thirst
• D. Edema and weight gain

Answer: (A)

Dehydration shows up when the body loses water and the kidneys try to conserve it. The most telling signs are dark, concentrated urine with decreased urine output, plus symptoms from reduced body water such as headaches, fatigue, dry skin, and skin that remains tented or less elastic (decreased skin turgor). Difficulty concentrating also fits the picture because lower body water can affect brain function. These features together point to insufficient fluid in the body. Other patterns don’t fit dehydration as well. Clear urine with frequent urination suggests overhydration or a condition like diabetes insipidus. Normal skin turgor and thirst imply adequate hydration. Edema and weight gain reflect fluid retention, not loss.

Dehydration shows up when the body loses water and the kidneys try to conserve it. The most telling signs are dark, concentrated urine with decreased urine output, plus symptoms from reduced body water such as headaches, fatigue, dry skin, and skin that remains tented or less elastic (decreased skin turgor). Difficulty concentrating also fits the picture because lower body water can affect brain function. These features together point to insufficient fluid in the body.

Other patterns don’t fit dehydration as well. Clear urine with frequent urination suggests overhydration or a condition like diabetes insipidus. Normal skin turgor and thirst imply adequate hydration. Edema and weight gain reflect fluid retention, not loss.