Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

When assessing a child for signs of dehydration, what is the most critical observation?

1. Skin elasticity

2. Fluid intake

3. Heart rate

4. Weight change

The correct answer is: Skin elasticity

In assessing a child for signs of dehydration, skin elasticity is a crucial observation because it directly reflects the body's fluid status. When a child's hydration level is adequate, the skin tends to be elastic and quickly returns to its original position when pinched. However, if the child is dehydrated, the skin loses elasticity, becoming less pliable and taking longer to return to its normal position. This diminished turgor is a sign that the body may not have enough fluid to perform its physiological functions effectively. While fluid intake is important to monitor, it is not as immediate an indicator of dehydration as skin elasticity. Heart rate can change due to a variety of factors, including other medical conditions, making it less specific for assessing dehydration alone. Monitoring weight change may provide useful information over time, but it is typically less immediate and responsive in recognizing acute changes in hydration status compared to skin turgor. Therefore, skin elasticity serves as a vital and practical clinical assessment in a pediatric setting for identifying dehydration.