Final answer:
Extracellular Fluid Volume Deficit is characterized by symptoms like extreme thirst, hot and dry body, and a dry tongue, which result from excessive water loss leading to a concentrated ECF and shrinkage of body fluid compartments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assessment findings of Extracellular Fluid Volume Deficit can be seen as symptoms such as extreme thirst, a hot and dry body, a dry tongue, and possibly significant weight loss. This condition often occurs due to excessive water loss through mechanisms like vomiting, prolonged diarrhea, excessive urination (diuresis), and sweating. Moreover, when the concentration of extracellular fluid (ECF) increases due to water depletion, water is drawn out from the cells, causing both extracellular and intracellular compartments to shrink. This is different from edema, which is an accumulation of excess water in tissues, particularly the soft tissues of the extremities, causing swelling and potentially pitting when pressed. In contrast, Extracellular Fluid Volume Deficit is typically a reduction in interstitial fluid and plasma, which are components of the ECF that surround and service cells.