Which statement would be considered an early sign of dehydration in an infant with diarrhea?

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

Answer: (A)

When a child becomes dehydrated, the body responds right away by increasing the heart rate to maintain blood flow despite the reduced fluid in the circulation. This rapid compensatory mechanism makes tachycardia the earliest sign you’re likely to observe in an infant with diarrhea. As dehydration progresses, signs like dry mucous membranes and reduced skin turgor appear, showing ongoing fluid deficit. Bradycardia would indicate more severe distress or impending shock, not an early sign, and increased skin turgor would contradict dehydration since turgor usually decreases with fluid loss.