RNPedia PNLE Nursing Practice 5 Test 1 Practice

Which clinical sign indicates dehydration in an adult?

Edema Skin tenting and dry mucous membranes; tachycardia Hypotension Increased urine output

Correct Answer:

Skin tenting and dry mucous membranes; tachycardia

Explanation:

Dehydration shows up when the body loses fluids and the remaining volume is reduced, so signs reflect this loss. Skin that tents up when pinched and dry mucous membranes indicate low fluid in the body and poor skin turgor, which are classic markers of volume depletion. Tachycardia accompanies dehydration as the body tries to maintain perfusion with less circulating fluid. Edema points to fluid overload rather than depletion, hypotension can occur but is not as reliable a marker and may appear later, and increased urine output would contradict dehydration because the kidneys conserve water when volume is low, leading to decreased urine output. So the combination of skin tenting, dry mucous membranes, and tachycardia best signals dehydration in an adult.

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