Which of the following is NOT a method for checking fluid status?

The correct response to the question focuses on understanding the methods commonly used to assess fluid status in a patient. Checking fluid status involves evaluating various physical signs and symptoms that indicate hydration levels and fluid balance.

Inspecting the lips and mucus membranes is a recognized method as it helps to identify dryness, which can indicate dehydration. Measuring blood pressure and pulse can also provide insights into fluid status since changes in these vital signs can reflect blood volume and fluid balance. Pinching the skin on the back of the hands to assess skin turgor is a direct method used to evaluate dehydration levels; in a well-hydrated person, the skin should return to its normal position quickly.

While all the methods mentioned are useful for clinical assessment, pitting edema specifically refers to the presence of excess fluid in tissues, typically evaluated in cases of fluid overload or edema rather than assessing fluid deficit or dehydration. Therefore, it would not be categorized as a method for directly checking fluid status but rather as a sign of fluid accumulation rather than a straightforward measure of fluid balance. This distinction makes it the option that stands apart among typical methods for fluid status assessment.