A nurse is caring for a 1-month-old infant who has manifestations of severe dehydration and a prescription for parenteral fluid therapy. The guardian asks, "What are the indications that my baby needs an IV?" Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Absent tears is a sign of moderate to severe dehydration in infants and indicates the need for IV fluid replacement. Other dehydration signs include decreased wet diapers, sunken fontanels (not bulging), dry mucous membranes, and tachycardia (not bradycardia). Slow breathing is not a sign of dehydration. Bulging fontanels suggest increased intracranial pressure, not dehydration.