Final answer:
Bluish color of mucous membranes, or cyanosis, is primarily associated with methemoglobinemia and cardiopulmonary diseases, as both can lead to reduced oxygenation of body tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bluish color of the mucous membranes, known as cyanosis, is associated with several conditions that impair the oxygenation of blood or the utilization of oxygen by tissues. Among the options provided, methemoglobinemia and cardiopulmonary disease are conditions typically associated with such discoloration. Methemoglobinemia is a condition where there is an abnormal amount of methemoglobin, a form of hemoglobin that cannot effectively release oxygen to body tissues, resulting in a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes. Cardiopulmonary diseases, including conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart failure, can lead to reduced oxygenation of blood and subsequent cyanosis.