Which of the following is an early sign of dehydration?

• A. Dry mucous membranes
• B. Edema
• C. Increased appetite
• D. Bright, clear urine

Answer: (A)

Dry mucous membranes appear early when the body first loses fluids, so moisture in the mouth and lips dries out first as dehydration begins. This makes it one of the earliest and most recognizable signs. Edema is swelling from excess fluid rather than a lack of it, so it doesn’t fit dehydration. Increased appetite isn’t a typical signal of fluid loss either. Bright, clear urine suggests good hydration and dilute urine, not dehydration. Concentrated, dark urine would be more consistent with dehydration. So the dry mucous membranes correctly point to an early dehydration sign.