When assessing a patient for dehydration, which sign is most indicative?

Skin turgor is a key indicator of hydration status, particularly in the assessment for dehydration. When a patient is dehydrated, their skin loses elasticity due to decreased water content, leading to a noticeable decrease in skin turgor. This means that if the skin is gently pinched, it will take longer to return to its normal position, often described as "tenting."

While rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, and dry mucous membranes can also signify dehydration, they may be less specific signs. For instance, rapid heart rate can occur due to various causes, including fever or anxiety, and low blood pressure can be influenced by numerous factors unrelated to hydration status, such as medications. Dry mucous membranes are indicative of a decrease in fluid levels, but they can also result from other conditions, such as various illnesses.

Thus, skin turgor is uniquely associated with the direct assessment of hydration and offers a practical, visual cue that nurses can observe during a physical examination, making it the most indicative sign when assessing a patient for dehydration.