The nurse is assessing an infant with diarrhea and lethargy. Which finding should the nurse identify that is consistent with early dehydration?

• A. Tachycardia.
• B. Bradycardia.
• C. Dry mucous membranes.
• D. Increased skin turgor.

Answer: (A)

When dehydration is in its early stage, the body compensates by increasing heart rate to maintain blood flow despite reduced fluid volume. In infants, tachycardia is a common and sensitive early sign of decreased intravascular volume from diarrhea and fluid loss. Dry mucous membranes and lethargy can occur as dehydration progresses, but they are less reliable as early indicators. Bradycardia would suggest progression to shock or a more severe state, not the initial dehydration phase. Increased skin turgor, on the other hand, would indicate adequate hydration or even excess fluid, not dehydration. So the presence of a fast heart rate aligns with early dehydration.