A 3-year-old with emesis and diarrhea shows which assessment finding as compensation for fluid loss?

In evaluating a 3-year-old child presenting with emesis and diarrhea, understanding the body's compensatory mechanisms for fluid loss is crucial. When a child experiences significant fluid loss due to vomiting and diarrhea, the body attempts to maintain adequate blood volume and blood pressure to ensure perfusion to vital organs.

The correct answer reflects the physiological response to fluid loss. In response to dehydration, the body may initially maintain or even increase blood pressure through compensatory mechanisms. However, increased diastolic blood pressure in this context indicates that the child's cardiovascular system is trying to maintain adequate circulation, which may also be a sign of increased vascular resistance as the body works to preserve blood flow to essential organs.

The other options presented do not align with the expected compensatory mechanisms seen in fluid loss. Bounding peripheral pulses would typically indicate an overload of fluid or hypervolemia rather than compensatory responses to dehydration. Prolonged capillary refill time suggests poor perfusion and is often seen in situations of shock rather than compensation. Increased urine output often does not occur in the context of dehydration; rather, the child would typically have decreased urine output as the kidneys conserve fluid.

Overall, recognizing how the body compensates for fluid loss is essential in pediatric emergency care, and understanding