Final answer:
Decreased skin turgor is a sign often associated with dehydration, which is the most likely cause the nurse should investigate further. Dehydration results in a negative water balance and can present with additional symptoms such as thirst and low urine output.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse observes decreased skin turgor in a patient, it indicates that the skin does not quickly return to normal when pinched and released. This finding is often a sign of dehydration, which involves a negative water balance in the body. In the context of the provided choices, the nurse should further assess for signs and symptoms of dehydration, as it is the most likely cause of reduced skin turgor. The symptoms of dehydration may include thirst, dizziness, low blood pressure, and fatigue. Other conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and malnutrition can also influence skin turgor but are usually accompanied by additional distinct symptoms. For example, hypothyroidism might present with cold sensitivity and weight gain, whereas hyperthyroidism might show weight loss and increased heart rate.
Dehydration is commonly marked by signs such as thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, low urine output, and headache. It results from inadequate fluid intake or increased fluid loss due to factors like excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Therefore, in the given scenario, the nurse should focus on assessing further for clinical manifestations of dehydration beyond the observed decreased skin turgor.
The nurse should further assess for signs and symptoms of dehydration (Option D). Decreased skin turgor is a common sign of dehydration, which is characterized by a negative water balance in the body.