A nurse is caring for a toddler who has been vomiting for the past 8 hr. Which of the following findings indicates to the nurse that the child is dehydrated?

A. Increased blood pressure is typically not associated with dehydration. In fact, dehydration often causes hypotension or low blood pressure, especially in severe cases. B. Distended jugular veins are usually a sign of fluid overload or heart failure, not dehydration. In dehydration, the veins may appear flat due to decreased fluid volume. C. A flat anterior fontanel is generally expected in a well-hydrated child. A sunken fontanel would indicate dehydration in infants and young toddlers. D. Increased pulse (tachycardia) is a common sign of dehydration. As the body loses fluid, the heart compensates by increasing the heart rate to maintain adequate perfusion of organs.