How should a nurse assess for signs of dehydration in a child?

Evaluating skin turgor is an effective method for assessing signs of dehydration in a child. Skin turgor refers to the skin's elasticity and ability to return to its normal position after being pinched. When a child is dehydrated, the skin loses its elasticity, which can result in a prolonged "tenting" effect when the skin is pinched and then released. This phenomenon occurs because fluid loss reduces the volume of fluid in the tissues, impacting their appearance and texture.

In addition to skin turgor, other signs of dehydration include dry mucous membranes, reduced urine output, increased thirst, and changes in behavior or alertness. While factors like respiratory rate, body temperature, and heart rate can be influenced by dehydration and various other conditions, they are not direct assessments of hydration status. Therefore, evaluating skin turgor is a primary, straightforward, and effective method to detect dehydration in children.