What physical change is a nurse likely to observe in an elderly client with fluid volume deficit?

• A. Increased blood pressure
• B. Tenting of the skin
• C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
• D. Elevated heart rate

Answer: (B)

Tenting of the skin is a significant indicator of fluid volume deficit in an elderly client. As fluid levels decrease, the skin loses elasticity and moisture, leading to a condition where the skin does not return to its normal position quickly after being pinched or lifted. This is particularly pronounced in older adults due to natural aging processes that reduce skin turgor. Assessing skin turgor is a common practice among healthcare providers to evaluate hydration status; tenting is a clear, observable sign that the body is lacking adequate fluids.

In contrast, other options may not directly reflect fluid volume deficit or could indicate different conditions. For instance, increased blood pressure may occur with fluid overload rather than deficit, while hyperactive bowel sounds are often associated with gastrointestinal issues rather than dehydration. An elevated heart rate could be a response to various stressors, including hypovolemia, but does not specifically highlight the physical change in the skin's texture and elasticity as tenting does. Thus, observing tenting is a straightforward and reliable method for nurses to assess fluid volume status in elderly clients.