A nurse is assessing a client. Which of the following findings indicates a fluid volume deficit?

Rationale: A. Elevated blood pressure: Fluid volume deficit usually results in decreased circulating blood volume, which can lead to hypotension rather than elevated blood pressure. Hypertension is more commonly associated with fluid volume excess or other cardiovascular conditions, not dehydration. B. Pitting edema: Pitting edema is a sign of fluid volume excess, where excess interstitial fluid accumulates in dependent areas. It does not occur in clients with fluid volume deficit, who typically exhibit signs of dehydration and reduced tissue perfusion. C. Dyspnea: Dyspnea is often associated with fluid overload, pulmonary edema, or cardiac compromise. In fluid volume deficit, respiratory symptoms are not usually primary unless hypovolemia leads to poor oxygen delivery or compensatory tachypnea. D. Skin tenting: Skin tenting, or decreased skin turgor, occurs when the skin loses elasticity due to dehydration and reduced interstitial fluid. It is a classic clinical sign of fluid volume deficit, particularly in older adults, and provides a quick bedside assessment for assessing hydration status.