To adequately assess a patient's hydration status, which of the following should a nurse evaluate?

Evaluating skin turgor and urine output is crucial for assessing a patient's hydration status because these two indicators provide direct and practical information about fluid balance in the body. Skin turgor involves evaluating the elasticity of the skin; when a patient is dehydrated, the skin lacks elasticity and may take longer to return to its normal position after being pinched. Urine output, on the other hand, reflects kidney function and overall hydration levels; decreased urine output can indicate dehydration, while adequate urinary output suggests sufficient fluid intake.

While weight and dietary habits can provide general information about a patient's nutrition and potential fluid intake, they are not as immediate or reliable for assessing hydration status specifically. The patient's exercise routine may inform about physical activity levels, which can influence hydration needs, but it does not directly measure hydration. Blood pressure and temperature can indicate fluid status indirectly, but they are more affected by other physiological factors and can vary widely for reasons unrelated to hydration status. Thus, skin turgor and urine output are the most effective and direct methods to gauge a patient's hydration level.