In dehydration, which vital signs are typically observed?

In dehydration, which vital signs are typically observed?

• A. Fever and tachypnea
• B. Hypotension and tachycardia
• C. Normal BP and HR
• D. Hypertension and bradycardia

Answer: (B)

Dehydration reduces circulating blood volume, which lowers venous return to the heart. To preserve tissue perfusion, the heart speeds up, so tachycardia is a common finding. If fluid loss is substantial, the decreased preload can cause blood pressure to fall, leading to hypotension. Fever and rapid breathing aren’t typical primary signs of fluid loss alone, and normal BP with normal or slow heart rate wouldn’t reflect the compensatory response to dehydration. Therefore, the combination of hypotension and tachycardia best matches the body's response to dehydration.

Dehydration reduces circulating blood volume, which lowers venous return to the heart. To preserve tissue perfusion, the heart speeds up, so tachycardia is a common finding. If fluid loss is substantial, the decreased preload can cause blood pressure to fall, leading to hypotension. Fever and rapid breathing aren’t typical primary signs of fluid loss alone, and normal BP with normal or slow heart rate wouldn’t reflect the compensatory response to dehydration. Therefore, the combination of hypotension and tachycardia best matches the body's response to dehydration.