Which type of turgor indicates healthy skin hydration?

• A. High turgor
• B. Low turgor
• C. Normal turgor
• D. Elevated turgor

Answer: (C)

Normal turgor indicates healthy skin hydration because it reflects the skin's ability to maintain its shape and firmness due to an adequate balance of fluid within the tissues. When the skin has normal turgor, it means that the extracellular fluid is well-regulated and that the skin is resilient, allowing it to return to its original position quickly after being pinched or pulled. This is often assessed during physical examinations as a sign of overall hydration status.

High turgor can indicate overstretching or excessive fluid retention, while low turgor is typically a sign of dehydration, where the skin does not rebound effectively after being pinched. Elevated turgor may suggest swelling or edema, which is not indicative of healthy skin hydration. Thus, normal turgor is the definitive sign of proper skin hydration and an appropriate physiological response.