Final answer:
Infants experience the highest evaporative water loss due to their higher body surface area to volume ratio and less developed regulatory mechanisms. Factors like fever and diarrhea can significantly increase water loss, making proper hydration extremely important for this age group.
Step-by-step explanation:
Evaporative Water Loss in Different Age Groups
In considering which age group experiences the highest evaporative water loss, the correct answer is Option 1: Infants. Evaporative water loss occurs primarily through perspiration and insensible water loss, which includes evaporation from the skin and air expelled from the lungs. Infants have a higher body surface area to volume ratio compared to children, adolescents, and adults, making them more susceptible to water loss through their skin. Furthermore, their regulatory mechanisms for maintaining body temperature and hydration are not as developed as those in older age groups.
Factors such as fever, high environmental temperatures, diarrhea, and vomiting can exacerbate water loss, which can be particularly critical for infants. It's essential for caregivers to ensure that infants remain properly hydrated, especially in situations where these risk factors might be present.