Final answer:
It is true that a 6% body weight loss due to dehydration results in an increase in pulse rate, body temperature, and respiration rate; these are among the typical responses the body has to compensate for the decrease in blood volume and maintain homeostasis.
Step-by-step explanation:
True. A 6% body weight loss because of dehydration leads to several physiological changes. When the body loses more water than it takes in, it experiences a negative water balance, a condition known as dehydration. This loss can have various deleterious effects on the body's systems.
One of the indicators of dehydration includes a marked increase in body temperature which is a response referred to as hyperthermia. Hyperthermia, even in mild forms, can increase heart rate (HR) and the strength of heart contractions.
Another common symptom of dehydration is an increase in pulse rate as the body attempts to maintain blood flow and blood pressure despite the decreased blood volume. Respiration rate may also rise, as the body works harder to oxygenate the blood and regulate acid-base balance due to the disturbances resulting from dehydration.
Additional symptoms of dehydration can include dry and loose skin, exhaustion, and in severe cases, collapse. Prolonged physical activity without adequate water intake, exposure to high temperatures, and various diseases that increase water loss can lead to dehydration.