Which statement best indicates dehydration when observed during health screening or clinical assessment?

• A. Edema indicates dehydration
• B. Skin tenting indicates dehydration
• C. Slow cap refill indicates dehydration
• D. Clear lungs indicate dehydration

Answer: (B)

Dehydration often shows up as reduced skin turgor because a lack of fluid in the body's tissues makes the skin lose its elasticity. When you gently pinch a fold of skin, if it stays tented or takes a moment to flatten, that indicates decreased skin turgor from fluid loss. This is a practical, bedside sign clinicians use during health screenings.

Edema indicates excess fluid in the interstitial spaces, which is the opposite of dehydration, so it doesn’t point to fluid deficit. Slow cap refill reflects peripheral perfusion and circulatory status rather than specifically fluid loss; it can be affected by temperature, shock, or vasoconstriction. Clear lungs suggest there isn’t fluid overload in the lungs, not necessarily anything about overall hydration status.

So, the skin tenting most directly signals dehydration among these options.