Exit Exam Nursing Study ATI Practice Questions Related

Review Exit Exam Nursing Study ATI Practice Questions related questions and content

How should signs of dehydration in an elderly patient be assessed?

  • A. Monitor skin turgor
  • B. Check for dry mucous membranes
  • C. Monitor for sunken eyes
  • D. Check capillary refill
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Monitoring skin turgor is a reliable method to assess dehydration in elderly patients. Skin turgor refers to the skin's elasticity or the skin's ability to return to its normal position after being pinched. In dehydration, the skin loses its elasticity, becoming less flexible and slower to return to its original state. Checking for dry mucous membranes (Choice B), monitoring for sunken eyes (Choice C), and checking capillary refill (Choice D) are all relevant assessments in dehydration but are not as specific or sensitive as monitoring skin turgor. Dry mucous membranes and sunken eyes are indicators of dehydration, while capillary refill is more related to circulatory status and less specific to dehydration.