A nurse is assessing a school-age child who has moderate dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

Rationale: A. Moderate dehydration leads to a decreased circulating blood volume (hypovolemia). When the child changes position (for example, from lying to standing), blood pools in the lower extremities and the body cannot adequately compensate, resulting in a drop in blood pressure known as orthostatic hypotension. This is a classic finding in moderate to severe fluid volume deficit. B. Dehydration typically causes compensatory tachypnea (increased respirations), not decreased respirations. The body increases respiratory rate to help maintain acid-base balance, especially if metabolic acidosis develops from fluid loss. C. Polyuria is excessive urination and is not expected in dehydration. Instead, the body conserves fluid, leading to oliguria (decreased urine output) and concentrated urine. D. Bradycardia is not expected in dehydration. Instead, the body compensates for reduced circulating volume with tachycardia to maintain cardiac output and perfusion to vital organs.