Which of the following is NOT a sign of severe dehydration?

In the context of severe dehydration in children, the signs and symptoms can be critical in determining the appropriate management. When assessing a child for dehydration, the presence of lethargy, a slow skin pinch return, and sunken eyes are all indicators of severe dehydration.

Lethargy signifies a significant decrease in activity or responsiveness, which is a clear warning sign of potential severe dehydration. Similarly, a skin pinch that goes back slowly reflects a severe loss of skin turgor, an important parameter for assessing dehydration levels. Sunken eyes are also a classic sign of dehydration, indicating that the child has lost a considerable amount of fluid.

On the other hand, a child who drinks eagerly is typically demonstrating a normal physiological response to thirst, which suggests that the level of hydration may not be severe. In fact, this eagerness to drink is actually a positive sign, indicating that the child is aware of their thirst and is attempting to rehydrate themselves. Therefore, this behavior does not align with the clinical signs of severe dehydration and underscores why it is not considered a sign of such a condition.