Which of the following is NOT a sign of dehydration in diabetic patients?

• A. Edema
• B. Elevated BUN and creatinine
• C. Dry mucous membranes
• D. Skin tenting

Answer: (A)

Dehydration signs reflect a loss of body fluids and reduced circulating volume, which in diabetes often comes from osmotic diuresis due to hyperglycemia. The typical responses are dry mucous membranes, skin losing turgor (skin tenting), and the kidneys conserving water, which raises BUN relative to creatinine.

Edema, on the other hand, is fluid accumulation in tissues and signals fluid overload or other conditions (like heart, liver, or kidney problems) rather than a deficit of body fluids. In dehydration, you wouldn’t expect edema because the overall fluid is decreased, not excess. The elevated BUN and creatinine point to reduced kidney perfusion from low volume, and dry mucous membranes plus skin tenting show actual fluid loss. So edema does not fit the pattern of dehydration, making it the correct choice for not being a sign of dehydration in diabetic patients.