Which sign is associated with hypernatremia?

Which sign is associated with hypernatremia?

• A. Poor skin turgor
• B. Jaundice
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Cold extremities

Answer: (A)

Hypernatremia reflects a water deficit relative to sodium, so cells become dehydrated and the body shows signs of overall dehydration. Poor skin turgor is a direct clue to dehydration and fits with hypernatremia, making it the best sign among the options. Jaundice points to liver or biliary issues and not to sodium balance. Bradycardia is not typical in dehydration from hypernatremia (tachycardia is more common as a compensatory response to volume loss). Cold extremities are nonspecific and relate more to perfusion status than to hypernatremia itself.

Hypernatremia reflects a water deficit relative to sodium, so cells become dehydrated and the body shows signs of overall dehydration. Poor skin turgor is a direct clue to dehydration and fits with hypernatremia, making it the best sign among the options. Jaundice points to liver or biliary issues and not to sodium balance. Bradycardia is not typical in dehydration from hypernatremia (tachycardia is more common as a compensatory response to volume loss). Cold extremities are nonspecific and relate more to perfusion status than to hypernatremia itself.