What is the appropriate method for assessing hydration status in children?

Monitoring for skin turgor and examining mucous membranes are effective methods for assessing hydration status in children. Skin turgor refers to the elasticity of the skin, which can indicate fluid loss; when a child is dehydrated, their skin may remain tented rather than quickly returning to its normal position when pinched. Additionally, mucous membranes, such as those in the mouth or around the eyes, can provide insight into hydration levels. Dry or sticky mucous membranes are commonly associated with dehydration, making these assessments reliable indicators of a child's hydration status.

While other options provide additional information that can be useful in a broader assessment of a child's health, they do not focus as specifically on hydration. For instance, monitoring urine output can indicate hydration levels but does not directly assess current physical signs of dehydration. Daily weight assessments can track changes in fluid status over time, but may not offer immediate insight into hydration. Checking body temperature, although important in many contexts, does not directly relate to hydration status. Therefore, examining skin turgor and mucous membranes is the most direct and immediate method for assessing hydration in children.