A 2-Year-Old, Previously Healthy Boy Is Brought to the Emergency

A 2-year-old, previously healthy boy is brought to the emergency department due to a 4-day history of poor feeding, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.  The patient has had 5-7 bowel movements every day for the past 4 days.  Temperature is 36.8 C (98.2 F) and blood pressure is 65/42 mm Hg.  On physical examination, the patient is lethargic.  Mucous membranes are dry, and the eyes are sunken.  The lungs are clear to auscultation.  No murmurs are heard.  Abdominal examination shows distension and tenderness; bowel sounds are hyperactive throughout.  Which of the following changes is most likely present in this patient?

A) Extravasation of fluid from systemic capillaries
B) Increased arteriolar capacitance
C) Increased central venous pressure
D) Increased ventilatory rate
E) Relaxation of venous smooth muscle

Correct Answer:

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