When output exceeds intake, the body typically experiences which condition?

When output exceeds intake, the body typically experiences which condition?

• A. Overhydration
• B. Dehydration
• C. Edema
• D. Hypernatremia

Answer: (B)

When output exceeds intake, the body loses more water than it takes in, so total body water declines and plasma osmolality rises. This deficit in water relative to needs is dehydration. It reflects a net loss of water, not a surplus. The opposite situation would be overhydration, where water gain exceeds loss. Edema involves fluid accumulation in tissues, not a simple net water loss. Hypernatremia is high blood sodium that can occur with dehydration but is a specific electrolyte change rather than the general fluid deficit described.

When output exceeds intake, the body loses more water than it takes in, so total body water declines and plasma osmolality rises. This deficit in water relative to needs is dehydration. It reflects a net loss of water, not a surplus. The opposite situation would be overhydration, where water gain exceeds loss. Edema involves fluid accumulation in tissues, not a simple net water loss. Hypernatremia is high blood sodium that can occur with dehydration but is a specific electrolyte change rather than the general fluid deficit described.