The management of dehydration and incontinence in nonambulatory geriatric patients.
We evaluated a health care routine designed to decrease incontinence and improve the hydration level of nonambulatory nursing home patients. To implement this routine, a 3' X 4' cart was equipped with liquids and toileting equipment. A nurse's aid was assigned the task of taking the cart to each nonambulatory resident in a nursing home and offering specified assistance on a regular basis. Data demonstrated a decrease in physical dehydration, as well as in fecal and urinary incontinence.
D000368:Aged; D003681:Dehydration / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009728:Nursing Assistants; D009735:Nursing Homes; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*