Which of the following is a sign of dehydration in elderly patients?

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Study for the ATI Fundamentals 5 Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with explanations and hints. Ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a sign of dehydration in elderly patients?

Explanation:
Dry mucous membranes signal reduced fluid volume. When a person becomes dehydrated, less saliva and moisture are present in the mouth and mucous membranes, so they feel and appear dry. Moist mucous membranes would suggest adequate hydration, not dehydration. Hyperhydration is excess fluid and would produce signs like edema rather than dryness. Increased skin turgor is not typical of dehydration; in dehydration the skin turgor is usually decreased, with the skin tenting rather than snapping back quickly. So the presence of dry mucous membranes is the best indicator of dehydration, especially in older adults.

Dry mucous membranes signal reduced fluid volume. When a person becomes dehydrated, less saliva and moisture are present in the mouth and mucous membranes, so they feel and appear dry. Moist mucous membranes would suggest adequate hydration, not dehydration. Hyperhydration is excess fluid and would produce signs like edema rather than dryness. Increased skin turgor is not typical of dehydration; in dehydration the skin turgor is usually decreased, with the skin tenting rather than snapping back quickly. So the presence of dry mucous membranes is the best indicator of dehydration, especially in older adults.

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