Word parts
What it means
A thin, wet tissue that lines spaces open to the outside of the body. It makes mucus, which keeps the surface moist and traps germs. Because it is thin and has many blood vessels, it shows color changes well and absorbs some drugs quickly, such as those given under the tongue.
For the nurse
Look at the mouth and lips for dryness (a clue to dehydration), pallor, cyanosis or yellowing. In clients with dark skin, color changes are often easiest to see on the mucous membranes. Splashes to the eyes or mouth count as an exposure and are reported.
In a chart
"Oral mucous membranes dry and sticky; client drinking poorly."
At a glance
| Spanish | membrana mucosa |
|---|---|
| Also written | mucous membranes |
Related terms
dehydration
A state in which the body has lost more water than it has taken in.
cyanosis
A blue or gray color of the skin, lips or nail beds.
pallor
Skin or mucous membranes that look paler than is normal for that person.
sublingual
Under the tongue.