Which sign is commonly seen with dehydration due to gastroenteritis?

• A. Hyperactive bowel sounds with increased stool frequency.
• B. Normal capillary refill with moist mucous membranes.
• C. Increased urine output.
• D. Prolonged capillary refill, dry mucous membranes, and decreased urine output.

Answer: (D)

When assessing dehydration in a child with gastroenteritis, the key idea is that fluid loss reduces circulating volume and tissue perfusion. The best sign set shows this drop in perfusion and kidney response: prolonged capillary refill indicates slower blood flow to the extremities, dry mucous membranes reflect reduced overall hydration, and decreased urine output shows the kidneys are conserving water due to low fluid volume. Together, these signs point to dehydration from gastroenteritis and guide the need for fluid rehydration. By contrast, hyperactive bowel sounds with more stools reflect ongoing GI illness rather than the dehydration state; normal capillary refill with moist mucous membranes suggests adequate hydration; and increased urine output would not align with dehydration.