How does dehydration typically manifest in vital signs?

• A. Increased blood pressure, increased heart rate
• B. Decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate
• C. Increased blood pressure, decreased heart rate
• D. Stable vital signs

Answer: (B)

Dehydration leads to a significant loss of body fluid, which can affect vital signs in specific ways. In the case of decreased blood pressure and increased heart rate, this occurs due to the body’s compensatory mechanisms in response to the fluid deficit.

When a person is dehydrated, the volume of blood circulating through the vascular system decreases. This reduction in blood volume typically causes a drop in blood pressure, as there is less fluid available to exert pressure against the walls of the blood vessels. The body recognizes this drop in blood pressure and responds by increasing the heart rate. This increase is an effort to maintain adequate blood flow to vital organs and tissues despite the lower volume of blood. The heart pumps faster to help circulate the available blood more efficiently, which is why an increased heart rate is a common compensatory response to dehydration.

This physiological response is crucial as it allows the body to maintain perfusion and oxygen delivery, even when facing the challenges of reduced fluid levels. Thus, the combination of decreased blood pressure and increased heart rate is a typical manifestation of dehydration in vital signs.