Which of the following is a symptom of dehydration?

Appeared in: MP CHO -2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Dehydration is a state of negative fluid balance where water loss exceeds intake.
The body compensates by conserving water, which involves reducing non-essential fluid outputs like saliva.
This reduction in saliva and mucus production leads to the classic sign of dry, sticky mucous membranes in the mouth and nose.
This is a direct consequence of the body's systemic fluid volume deficit.

Option A: This is the opposite of the physiological response. Dehydration increases serum osmolality, which stimulates osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus, triggering a strong sensation of thirst to promote fluid intake.
Option C: This is incorrect. The body's hormonal response to dehydration (release of Antidiuretic Hormone - ADH) causes the kidneys to reabsorb more water, leading to decreased urine output (oliguria).
Option D: Fever is not a primary or universal symptom of dehydration. It is more often a cause of dehydration (due to increased insensible water loss from sweating and rapid breathing). While severe dehydration can impair thermoregulation and cause a fever, dry mucous membranes are a more direct and earlier sign of fluid loss.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Clinical signs and symptoms of dehydration helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
A nurse's primary assessment for dehydration includes checking for dry mucous membranes, assessing skin turgor, monitoring urine output (I&O chart), and checking for orthostatic hypotension.
Early recognition of dehydration is critical to prevent progression to hypovolemic shock, a life-threatening emergency.
Patient education is key, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly, infants, and athletes, on maintaining adequate fluid intake.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the physiological response to dehydration.
Recall the body's mechanisms for conserving water when in a fluid deficit state.
Evaluate each option based on this understanding.
Option A (Decreased thirst): The body would want more water, not less. So, thirst should increase. This is incorrect.
Option B (Dry mucous membranes): The body would conserve water by reducing secretions like saliva. This is a plausible symptom. This is likely correct.
Option C (Increased urine output): The body would conserve water by having the kidneys retain it. Urine output should decrease. This is incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qi8LoPd4z9za7ZeRIJ4_Pp

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 152-154

E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 2 p. 160-162

E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 1 p. 71-73

Practise the full MP CHO -2019 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.