Which sign is commonly associated with hypovolemia?

The presence of oliguria, which is characterized by a decrease in urine output to less than 400 milliliters per day, is commonly associated with hypovolemia. Hypovolemia refers to a state of decreased blood volume, which often occurs due to factors such as dehydration, loss of blood, or severe fluid loss from sweating or diarrhea.

When there is a reduction in blood volume, the kidneys respond by conserving water to maintain blood pressure and ensure adequate perfusion to vital organs. This conservation process leads to a decrease in urine output, resulting in oliguria. The body is attempting to retain as much fluid as possible to counteract the effects of reduced volume, which is why oliguria is a significant indicator of hypovolemic conditions.

Other signs of hypovolemia may include increased heart rate as the body attempts to compensate for low blood volume, but oliguria is more directly indicative of the kidneys' response to a reduction in fluid status. In contrast, signs such as weight gain or generalized swelling are typically associated with fluid overload or conditions leading to edema, rather than hypovolemia.