An older adult woman is brought to the emergency department after being found lying on the kitchen floor for 2 days; she is extremely dehydrated. What would the nurse expect to see during the examination?

A) Pale mucous membranes
B) Smooth mucous membranes and lips
C) White patches on the mucous membranes
D) Dry mucous membranes and cracked lips

Pale Mucous

This refers to the appearance of lighter than normal mucous membranes, which can indicate anemia or other health conditions.

Dry Mucous

Condition where the mucous secretions are less than normal, leading to dryness in areas such as the nose, throat, and eyes.

Cracked Lips

A condition where the lips become dry, chapped, or fissured, often due to environmental factors or dehydration.