title: Preventing and managing dehydration.
abstract: Sufficient body water and electrolyte homeostasis are essential for healthy physiologic functioning. Nurses are key to preventing, detecting early, and treating fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Dehydration significantly alters both physical and psychological functioning, and older adults are at increased risk. Identifying fluid disorders early can prevent complications and reduce hospital stays. Understanding the mechanisms of fluid homeostasis enables nurses to assess, prevent, and collaborate in managing isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic dehydration.
authors.affiliation: Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Rosemarie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Suhayda
authors.forename: Jane C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Walton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D001835:Body Weight; D003681:Dehydration / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D012737:Sex Factors; D012964:Sodium / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D012964:Sodium