💊 NCLEX-RN Exam Prep

The nurse assesses an older adult client who reports feeling weak and dizzy. Which finding is the most reliable indicator of dehydration in this client?

A Dry oral mucous membranes.
B Decreased skin turgor over the forearm.
C Dark, concentrated urine.
D Increased heart rate with orthostatic hypotension.

✓ Correct Answer: Option D

In older adults, skin turgor is less reliable due to decreased elasticity. Orthostatic hypotension with an increased heart rate is a more reliable and critical indicator of fluid volume deficit.

💡 Why is D) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "The nurse assesses an older adult client who reports feeling weak and dizzy. Which finding is the most reliable indicator of dehydration in this client?" is Option D: Increased heart rate with orthostatic hypotension..

The other options — A) Dry oral mucous membranes., B) Decreased skin turgor over the forearm., C) Dark, concentrated urine. — are incorrect for this NCLEX-RN Exam Prep question. As explained above: In older adults, skin turgor is less reliable due to decreased elasticity. Orthostatic hypotension with an increased heart rate is a more reliable and critical indicator of fluid volume deficit.

📚 About This NCLEX-RN Exam Prep Practice Question

This 4-level NCLEX-RN Exam Prep question from the Physiological Integrity topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free NCLEX-RN Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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