Question

An elderly man is brought to the emergency department with extreme dehydration. What would the nurse expect to see during the physical exam?
Select all that apply.
A. smooth mucous membranesB. dry cracked lipsC. non-elastic turgor with prolonged tentingD. white patches on the mucous membranesE. capillary refill of 2 seconds

Answer 1

Answer:

B. dry cracked lips

C. non-elastic turgor with prolonged tenting

Explanation:

During extreme dehydration, mucous membrane that appears at lining of body tract  e.g (nose, mouth, trachea, eyelids etc) dries off and also lips looks  dried out and cracked.

Also, the nurse making documentation should also check for the skin tugor, the tissue in the skin should also return quickly to its original position, if not,  a decreased skin turgor have occurred, which is a factor that results into dehydration. Prolonged "tenting" indicates dehydration. Clinical signs of dehydration may include prolonged skin tenting.

Answer 2

Answer:

B and C

Explanation:

Dry cracked lips

Non-elastic turgo with prolonged tenting.