When caring for a client with dehydration, what is a vital sign that indicates improving status?

In the context of caring for a client with dehydration, an important indicator of improving status is the recovery of urine output. When a patient is dehydrated, renal function can be compromised, leading to a decreased output of urine as the kidneys conserve water. As the patient begins to rehydrate and their fluid balance improves, urine output typically increases. This increase in urine output is a positive sign indicating that hydration status is being restored and kidney function is improving, which is crucial for overall health and recovery.

Stable blood pressure can suggest that the patient is maintaining hemodynamic stability, but it does not specifically indicate improvement in hydration status. An increased heart rate might occur due to various reasons, including dehydration itself, but does not confirm improved hydration. Decreased skin turgor is often a sign of dehydration and would reflect worsening status rather than improvement. Thus, recovery of urine output is the clearest indicator of a positive change in the client's condition.