Which is a symptom of fluid volume deficit?

• A. Increased heart rate
• B. Increased blood pressure
• C. Poor skin turgor
• D. Increased urine output

Answer: (A)

When fluid volume falls, the body compensates to preserve tissue perfusion by activating the sympathetic system, which increases heart rate to maintain cardiac output and blood pressure. This tachycardia is a strong, early sign of fluid volume deficit, making it the most reliable single symptom among the options.

Poor skin turgor can occur with dehydration, but it’s less specific and may be unreliable in older or frail individuals. Increased blood pressure would not typically accompany volume deficit; it’s more common to see normal or low BP. Urine output usually decreases as the kidneys conserve water in a low-volume state.