Which sign is specifically associated with dehydration severity in infants?

Which sign is specifically associated with dehydration severity in infants?

• A. Sunken fontanelle
• B. Soft anterior fontanelle and moist mucous membranes
• C. Frequent wet diapers
• D. Active feeding patterns

Answer: (A)

Sunken fontanelle is a sign that correlates with dehydration severity in infants. The fontanelle is a soft spot on a baby’s head where the skull bones haven’t yet fused, and fluid loss lowers overall tissue volume. When dehydration is significant, the fontanelle becomes notably sunken, reflecting reduced interstitial and intracranial fluid. In milder dehydration, it may be only slightly sunken or appear normal, so the degree of sunkenness helps gauge how severe the dehydration is. By contrast, a soft anterior fontanelle with moist mucous membranes, frequent wet diapers, and active feeding patterns point toward good hydration rather than severity of dehydration.

Sunken fontanelle is a sign that correlates with dehydration severity in infants. The fontanelle is a soft spot on a baby’s head where the skull bones haven’t yet fused, and fluid loss lowers overall tissue volume. When dehydration is significant, the fontanelle becomes notably sunken, reflecting reduced interstitial and intracranial fluid. In milder dehydration, it may be only slightly sunken or appear normal, so the degree of sunkenness helps gauge how severe the dehydration is. By contrast, a soft anterior fontanelle with moist mucous membranes, frequent wet diapers, and active feeding patterns point toward good hydration rather than severity of dehydration.