A nurse is caring for a patient who has been experiencing persistent fever, vomiting, and diarrhea for two days. The patient's skin appears loose and flabby, and the nurse notes decreased skin turgor on assessment. Which explanation best describes why this patient's skin has this appearance?
- Increased interstitial fluid accumulation is causing the skin to appear stretched and loose.
- Fluid volume deficit from fluid and sodium losses has reduced tissue turgor and elasticity.
- Excessive moisture from fever-related perspiration has caused skin breakdown in the folds.
- The patient's inflammatory response to infection is breaking down dermal collagen fibers.