Certified Specialist In Renal Nutrition (CSR) Practice Exam

Hypotension and cool extremities are clinical signs that can indicate dehydration, particularly in a dialysis patient. Dehydration leads to reduced blood volume, which can cause a drop in blood pressure (hypotension). This decrease in blood volume may also contribute to a lack of adequate blood flow to the extremities, resulting in them feeling cool to the touch.

In contrast, peripheral edema generally indicates fluid overload rather than dehydration, as excess fluid accumulates in the tissues. Weight gain between treatments is also indicative of fluid retention; if a patient is gaining weight, it typically means they are retaining more fluid, not losing it. High blood pressure in dialysis patients is often a sign of fluid overload rather than dehydration, as excess sodium and fluid can lead to increased vascular volume and subsequently increased blood pressure. Therefore, the presence of hypotension along with cool extremities provides a clear indication of potential dehydration in this patient population.