What is a common sign of dehydration in a postoperative patient?

An increased heart rate is a common sign of dehydration in a postoperative patient due to the body's response to reduced fluid volume. When the body experiences dehydration, it works harder to maintain adequate blood circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs. This increased workload typically results in a rise in heart rate, as the cardiovascular system compensates for the lack of fluid balance.

In contrast, elevated blood pressure typically does not accompany dehydration; it may actually decrease due to reduced blood volume. An increased appetite would not be expected in a dehydrated patient, as dehydration often leads to a lack of desire to eat and may be associated with nausea. Normal skin turgor indicates adequate hydration, so it would not be suggestive of dehydration. Therefore, the presence of increased heart rate serves as a significant indicator of fluid deficit in a patient recovering from surgery.