NREMT Paramedic Practice

What does dry mucous membranes indicate in a patient?

1. Good hydration status

2. Hypotension

3. Dehydration

4. Normal electrolyte levels

The correct answer is: Dehydration

Dry mucous membranes are a significant clinical sign often indicative of dehydration in a patient. When the body is dehydrated, it lacks sufficient fluids, which leads to decreased moisture in the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and throat. This state of dryness suggests that the patient's fluid intake is inadequate or that they are losing fluids through processes such as vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, or fever. While hypotension can occur in dehydrated patients as the reduced fluid volume leads to decreased blood pressure, dry mucous membranes specifically reflect the body's overall hydration status rather than directly indicating blood pressure levels. Similarly, good hydration status would manifest as moist mucous membranes, contradicting the observation of dryness. Normal electrolyte levels typically do not correlate with dry mucous membranes, as dehydration can lead to imbalances in electrolytes due to impaired fluid intake or excessive loss. Thus, identifying dry mucous membranes serves as a critical assessment tool for recognizing dehydration and prompting further evaluation and intervention regarding the patient's fluid status.