What is a key indicator that a resident is dehydrated?

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, which can significantly affect various bodily functions. One of the most telling signs of dehydration is decreased urine output. When a person is dehydrated, the kidneys conserve water in an attempt to maintain fluid balance, resulting in less urine being produced. This reduced output may be accompanied by darker-colored urine, which is a concentration of waste products due to lack of sufficient fluid.

While some of the other options can be associated with dehydration, they are not as direct indicators as urine output. Increased appetite is more likely associated with other health conditions or recovery from illness. Frequent headaches can occur for various reasons, including tension or sinus issues, not solely dehydration. Higher blood pressure is not typically associated with dehydration; in fact, dehydration can often lead to lower blood pressure due to decreased blood volume. Thus, decreased urine output serves as a more immediate and clear indication of dehydration in a resident.