Which signs suggest dehydration in older adults?

• A. Dry mucous membranes, poor skin turgor, tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension
• B. Edema and crackles in lungs
• C. Hypothermia
• D. Hypertension

Answer: (A)

Dehydration in older adults reduces circulating fluid, leading to hypovolemia. The body responds by increasing heart rate to maintain perfusion, so tachycardia is common. Less fluid also means mucous membranes become dry and the skin loses turgor due to reduced interstitial fluid and aging changes. Standing up with low volume can cause orthostatic hypotension, reflecting a drop in blood pressure from vascular pooling and insufficient preload. Together, these signs point to dehydration.

Edema and crackles suggest fluid overload or heart failure rather than dehydration. Hypothermia isn’t a typical dehydration sign, and hypertension indicates high blood pressure, not low volume.