## Core Concept
The question assesses the understanding of dehydration signs and symptoms, particularly in infants. Dehydration occurs when there's an imbalance between fluid intake and output, leading to fluid volume deficit. In infants, dehydration can quickly progress due to their small body size and high surface area to volume ratio.
## Why the Correct Answer is Right
The correct answer, , likely corresponds to a clinical sign such as decreased urine output or poor skin turgor, which are indicators of fluid volume deficit. Decreased urine output (oliguria) is a significant sign of dehydration, indicating that the kidneys are not receiving enough blood flow to produce urine. Poor skin turgor, where the skin takes time to return to its normal position after being pinched, is another indicator of dehydration.
## Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
- **Option A:** If option A suggests a finding not directly related to dehydration, such as increased appetite or normal mental status, it would be incorrect because these do not align with the expected signs of fluid volume deficit.
- **Option B:** If option B proposes a sign not typically associated with dehydration, such as a normal capillary refill time in the context of suspected dehydration, it would be incorrect because quick capillary refill can indicate adequate circulation, not fluid volume deficit.
- **Option C:** If option C presents a sign that could be associated with dehydration but is not as directly indicative of fluid volume deficit as the correct answer, it might be considered less relevant.
## Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
A key point to remember is that infants can exhibit both intra- and extracellular dehydration. Clinically, assessing dehydration involves looking for signs such as dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output, lethargy, and poor skin turgor. The assessment of dehydration severity guides fluid replacement therapy.
## Correct Answer: D. Decreased urine output.
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
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