In dehydration, jugular fill is typically what?

• A. Normal
• B. Prolonged
• C. Absent
• D. Increased

Answer: (A)

Jugular venous pressure reflects the right atrial filling pressure and overall intravascular volume. In dehydration, the circulating blood volume is reduced, which lowers preload, but the body often maintains central filling pressures within the normal range through compensatory mechanisms. Therefore the jugular venous pulse generally appears normal rather than distended or reduced, unless the dehydration is severe enough to cause frank hypovolemia or shock. Since the question asks what jugular fill is typically in dehydration, it is normal.