Clinical assessments. Dry oral mucosa, a furrowed tongue, decreased salivation, sunken eyes, decreased urine output, upper-body weakness, and a rapid pulse may indicate dehydration. Although assessment of skin turgor on the sternum is a mainstay in the assessment of hydration level in younger adults, it’s not a reliable indicator in older adults because of changes in skin elasticity that occur with age. A reduction in axillary sweat production is another unreliable indicator.