What are signs of severe dehydration in a pediatric patient?

Severe dehydration in pediatric patients is indicated by specific clinical signs and symptoms. Prolonged capillary refill time suggests inadequate blood circulation and perfusion, which is a critical concern in dehydration cases. When the capillaries are not filling appropriately due to reduced blood volume and circulation, it results in delayed return of color after blanching. Abnormal skin turgor, which means the skin does not return to its normal position after being pinched, reflects a significant loss of fluid and is a prominent sign of dehydration.

Both prolonged capillary refill and abnormal skin turgor are objective assessments that point to the severity of dehydration. Understanding these signs is essential for timely recognition and management of dehydration in pediatric patients, as inappropriate or delayed treatment can lead to severe complications. In contrast, the other options provided do not represent indicators of severe dehydration; for example, a weight loss of 3% of body weight, warm extremities, and a normal pulse rate are not specific enough to indicate severe dehydration in a child.