Final answer:
Skin turgor is used to estimate a person's hydration status. Poor skin turgor can indicate dehydration, which may lead to life-threatening conditions such as hypovolemic shock. An isotonic saline solution is used for intravenous fluid replacement in dehydrated patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse is aware that skin turgor best estimates hydration status. When skin turgor is assessed, the health care provider is checking the skin's elasticity, which reflects the body's level of hydration. Poor skin turgor, such as slow return to normal position after being pinched, can be a sign of dehydration.
In the scenario provided, a patient with a blood pressure of 70/45, confusion, and a complaint of thirst likely indicates severe dehydration. This condition can lead to a state called hypovolemic shock, characterized by low blood pressure and inadequate oxygenation of tissues due to the reduced volume of blood circulating in the body. Therefore, the dynamic pressure of body fluids, such as blood pressure and proper hydration, are crucial for human survival and maintaining homeostasis.
For a dehydrated human patient requiring fluids intravenously, an isotonic saline solution is often administered to match the body fluids and efficiently restore fluid balance without causing cell damage via osmotic pressure changes.