A child with diarrhea shows signs of dehydration. Which assessment finding is likely?

In a child showing signs of dehydration, the assessment finding that is likely would involve diminished peripheral perfusion. One common indicator of this is decreased pedal pulses, which may feel weak or thready, rather than strong and bounding. When the body is dehydrated, it prioritizes blood flow to vital organs, potentially resulting in reduced perfusion to the extremities.

Consequently, 1+ bilateral pedal pulses suggest that the blood flow to the feet is compromised, correlating with the clinical picture of dehydration. Therefore, the identification of reduced pulse strength aligns well with the physiological responses to dehydration in a child.

In contrast, strong and bounding pulses would typically indicate volume overload rather than dehydration. Normal blood pressure does not necessarily indicate that a child is free from dehydration, as it can remain stable for a time despite significant fluid loss. Lastly, a clear urine output of 80 mL in 4 hours likely signifies adequate hydration, as it suggests that the kidneys are functioning well; however, in dehydrated children, urine output is often reduced and concentrated.