Severe dehydration corresponds to which percent dehydration?

• A. 5-7%
• B. 8-10%
• C. >10%
• D. 2-4%

Answer: (C)

Percent dehydration measures how much body weight has been lost due to fluid deficit. When the loss becomes substantial—more than ten percent of body weight—the situation is categorized as severe. At this level, the body’s ability to maintain perfusion is compromised, and you’ll typically see very dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes, poor skin turgor, a rapid pulse, low blood pressure, and possible altered mental status. Smaller losses fall into mild to moderate ranges, with milder clinical signs. Thus, severe dehydration corresponds to a loss exceeding ten percent.