What might you observe in an infant who is dehydrated?

In an infant who is dehydrated, one of the key indicators is that the eyes may appear sunken, and the infant can exhibit increased fussiness. Dehydration results in reduced fluid levels in the body, which can lead to noticeable physical changes. Sunken eyes are a classic sign of dehydration, as fluids are lost from the tissues and can affect the overall appearance of the face. Increased fussiness may occur because the infant is uncomfortable or irritable due to feeling unwell, further signaling that immediate attention is needed.

Other observations typically do not align with the condition of dehydration. For instance, regularly wetting more than 10 diapers a day indicates adequate hydration, as a well-hydrated infant would produce a sufficient volume of urine. Additionally, a lack of fatigue or bright, alert behavior suggests that the infant is likely well-hydrated and healthy, instead of displaying symptoms of dehydration. Therefore, the combination of sunken eyes and fussiness effectively indicates the need for concern and potential intervention for dehydration in infants.