TABLE 22.2
SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH DEHYDRATION
Signs and
symptoms
Minimal or no
dehydration
(<3% loss of body
weight)
Mild to moderate
dehydration (3–
9% loss of body
weight)
Severe
dehydration
(>9% loss of
body weight)
Mental status
Well; alert
Thirst
Apathetic,
lethargic,
unconscious
Drinks poorly;
unable to drink
Heart rate
Drinks normally;
might refuse
liquids
Normal
Normal, fatigued
or restless,
irritable
Thirsty; eager to
drink
Normal to
increased
Quality of pulses
Normal
Breathing
Eyes
Tears
Mouth and tongue
Skin fold
Capillary refill
Normal
Normal
Present
Moist
Instant recoil
Normal
Normal to
decreased
Normal; fast
Slightly sunken
Decreased
Dry
Recoil in <2 sec
Prolonged
Extremities
Warm
Cool
Urine output
Normal to
decreased
Decreased
Tachycardia, with
bradycardia in
most severe
cases
Weak, thread,
impalpable
Deep
Deeply sunken
Absent
Parched
Recoil in >2 sec
Prolonged;
minimal
Cold, mottled;
cyanotic
Minimal
CDC MMWR Managing acute gastroenteritis among children. Nov 21, 2003 Vol 53 No. RR-16.
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
Fluid imbalance in dehydration results from (i) decreased intake; (ii) increased
output secondary to insensible, renal, or gastrointestinal (GI) losses; or (iii)