It also indicates volume depletion. Still, several other findings may suggest this diagnosis, with their number
increasing in proportion to the severity of the condition:
Mild depletion corresponds to <5% intravascular contraction (i.e., <50 mL/kg loss of body weight).
This is usually determined by history alone, since physical signs are minimal or absent. Mucosae are
moist, skin turgor and capillary refill normal, and pulse slightly increased.
Moderate depletion corresponds instead to 100 mL/kg loss of body weight. Mucosae are dry, skin
turgor reduced, pulses weak, and patients are tachycardic and hyperpneic.
Severe depletion corresponds to >100 mL/kg loss of body weight. All previous signs are present, plus
cold, dry, and mottled skin; altered sensorium; prolonged refill time; weak central pulses; and,
eventually, hypotension.
increasing in proportion to the severity of the condition:
Mild depletion corresponds to <5% intravascular contraction (i.e., <50 mL/kg loss of body weight).
This is usually determined by history alone, since physical signs are minimal or absent. Mucosae are
moist, skin turgor and capillary refill normal, and pulse slightly increased.
Moderate depletion corresponds instead to 100 mL/kg loss of body weight. Mucosae are dry, skin
turgor reduced, pulses weak, and patients are tachycardic and hyperpneic.
Severe depletion corresponds to >100 mL/kg loss of body weight. All previous signs are present, plus
cold, dry, and mottled skin; altered sensorium; prolonged refill time; weak central pulses; and,
eventually, hypotension.