National League for Nursing (NLN PAX) Practice Exam

Dry skin is indeed a common symptom of dehydration. When the body does not have sufficient fluid levels, it prioritizes hydration for vital organs and systems, leading to a reduction in moisture for the skin. This manifests as dryness and sometimes flakiness, indicating that the body lacks the necessary water to maintain healthy skin elasticity and hydration.

In contrast, while increased appetite can occur in various conditions, it is not typically associated with dehydration. Frequent urination is often a sign of overhydration or a response to certain treatments or medications rather than dehydration itself. Nausea, although it can occur in dehydration or other conditions, is a more variable symptom and not as directly linked to decreased fluid levels as dry skin is. Understanding these distinctions enhances awareness of the body's responses to fluid imbalance, highlighting dry skin as a clear indicator of dehydration.