Questions: One way the body works to maintain fluid balance is via the thirst mechanism. This mechanism stimulates the desire to drink fluids in response to changes in blood volume, blood pressure, and concentration of sodium in the blood. Fluids are regularly lost through urine, feces, sweat, evaporation, and exhalation. In some cases, the amount is small, but in certain situations, the fluid loss can be significant. From the list below, choose all the correct statements about fluid intake and excretion. Select all that apply. - An increase in blood volume stimulates thirst. - Dehydration occurs when fluid intake exceeds fluid loss. - Water evaporates from the skin, but only when the body is sweating. - An increased concentration of sodium and other dissolved substances in the blood leads to increased thirst. - Low blood pressure can stimulate thirst.

The correct statements about fluid intake and excretion are:

1. An increased concentration of sodium and other dissolved substances in the blood leads to increased thirst.

   • This statement is correct. When the concentration of sodium and other solutes in the blood increases, it triggers the thirst mechanism to encourage fluid intake to dilute the solutes and restore balance.

2. Low blood pressure can stimulate thirst.

   • This statement is correct. Low blood pressure can be a signal of decreased blood volume, which can stimulate the thirst mechanism to increase fluid intake and help restore normal blood pressure levels.

Explanation for the incorrect statements:

• An increase in blood volume stimulates thirst.

  • This statement is incorrect. An increase in blood volume typically suppresses thirst because the body perceives that it has sufficient fluid levels.

• Dehydration occurs when fluid intake exceeds fluid loss.

  • This statement is incorrect. Dehydration occurs when fluid loss exceeds fluid intake, leading to a deficit in the body's water balance.

• Water evaporates from the skin, but only when the body is sweating.

  • This statement is incorrect. Water can evaporate from the skin even when the body is not sweating, through a process called insensible perspiration.

In summary, the correct statements are that an increased concentration of sodium and other dissolved substances in the blood leads to increased thirst, and low blood pressure can stimulate thirst.