Which vital sign pattern would most strongly suggest dehydration in a young child?

• A. Tachycardia with delayed capillary refill, dry mucous membranes, and reduced urine output.
• B. Hypotension with strong pulses and moist mucous membranes.
• C. Bradycardia with rapid capillary refill.
• D. Normal vitals with normal urine output.

Answer: (A)

Early dehydration in a young child is best identified by signs of reduced circulating volume and perfusion. When fluid is lost, the body compensates by increasing heart rate to maintain cardiac output, so tachycardia is common. Peripheral perfusion worsens, causing capillary refill to be delayed. Fluid loss also leads to dry mucous membranes, and the kidneys conserve water, resulting in reduced urine output. Together, tachycardia with delayed capillary refill, dry mucous membranes, and decreased urine output create a pattern that strongly indicates dehydration, especially since hypotension is a late sign and may not appear until more severe dehydration. If vitals are normal and urine output is normal, dehydration is unlikely.