Question

Case study question part 2: The nurse's assessment reveals dry mucous membranes, generalized weakness, difficulty ambulating, and anorexia. The patient's weight is down from 112 to 98 pounds over the past 3 months. Which data supports the patient has dehydration. Select all that apply.

A- dry mucous membranes
B- generalize weakness
C- low income
D- dentures are loose and ill fitting

Answer 1

The patient demonstrates signs of dehydration through dry mucous membranes and generalized weakness, signifying a lack of hydration and electrolytes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The data that supports the patient has dehydration are dry mucous membranes and generalized weakness. The nurse's assessment reveals dry mucous membranes, which is a classic sign of dehydration due to a lack of adequate hydration affecting the body's production of mucus. Additionally, the patient presents with generalized weakness, which can be attributed to the body's overall lack of fluids and electrolytes, impacting muscle function and energy levels.

While anorexia and weight loss are concerning and related to overall health, they do not specifically indicate dehydration. On the other hand, difficulty ambulating can be linked to weakness due to dehydration but is not a direct indicator of it. Loose and ill-fitting dentures, as well as low income, are not indicators of dehydration according to the provided context.