Which sign most strongly suggests dehydration in a malnourished population served by a humanitarian aid team?

Which sign most strongly suggests dehydration in a malnourished population served by a humanitarian aid team?

• A. Sunken eyes
• B. Pallor
• C. Hypotension
• D. Hypoglycemia

Answer: (A)

Sunken eyes most strongly indicate dehydration in a malnourished population because it reflects reduced intravascular volume and moisture in tissues. In malnutrition, other signs can be nonspecific or influenced by the nutritional state: pallor points to anemia or overall poor nutrition rather than fluid loss; hypotension may occur only in advanced dehydration or shock and isn’t a reliable early sign in many malnourished individuals; hypoglycemia signals energy deficit rather than fluid depletion. Therefore, among these options, sunken eyes are the clearest clue that dehydration is present.

Sunken eyes most strongly indicate dehydration in a malnourished population because it reflects reduced intravascular volume and moisture in tissues. In malnutrition, other signs can be nonspecific or influenced by the nutritional state: pallor points to anemia or overall poor nutrition rather than fluid loss; hypotension may occur only in advanced dehydration or shock and isn’t a reliable early sign in many malnourished individuals; hypoglycemia signals energy deficit rather than fluid depletion. Therefore, among these options, sunken eyes are the clearest clue that dehydration is present.