Which symptom is commonly seen with fluid volume deficit?

• A. Decreased urine output
• B. Edema
• C. Jaundice
• D. Crackles in lungs

Answer: (A)

When the body faces fluid volume deficit, the priority is to preserve circulating volume and maintain blood pressure. The kidneys respond by increasing water reabsorption in the distal nephron, driven by antidiuretic hormone and aldosterone, so urine production is reduced and the urine becomes more concentrated. This leads to decreased urine output, a hallmark of dehydration. Edema is a sign of excess fluid or impaired fluid distribution, not a deficit. Jaundice is related to liver function and bilirubin, not to fluid balance. Crackles in the lungs indicate fluid in the air spaces, typically from overload or heart failure, not from volume deficit. Monitoring urine output helps assess how well the body is conserving water during a deficit.