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A common sign of dehydration in infants and young children is characterized by dry mucous membranes and decreased urine output. Dehydration occurs when the loss of body fluids exceeds fluid intake, which is particularly concerning in young children due to their smaller body fluid reserves.

Dry mucous membranes indicate that there is insufficient fluid in the body to maintain hydration, leading to dryness in areas such as the mouth and inside the cheeks. Additionally, decreased urine output reflects the body's effort to conserve water when dehydrated; in infants, this may manifest as fewer wet diapers over a 24-hour period.

In contrast, increased thirst and a fever may suggest illness or other conditions but are not specific indicators of dehydration alone. Bright, moist skin and strong urine output would indicate adequate hydration, while consistent crying and irritability can be signs of discomfort or distress but are nonspecific symptoms that do not directly point to dehydration. Thus, the combination of dry mucous membranes and decreased urine output provides a clear assessment of dehydration in this age group.