Oral hydration in older adults: greater awareness is needed in preventing, recognizing, and treating dehydration.
Maintaining adequate fluid balance is an essential component of health at every stage of life. Age-related changes make older adults more vulnerable to shifts in water balance that can result in overhydration or, more frequently, dehydration. This article reviews age-related changes, risk factors, assessment measures, and nursing interventions for dehydration.
Mentes
Janet
J
University of California, Los Angeles School of Nursing, USA. jmentes@sonnet.ucla.edu
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D003681:Dehydration / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D004327:Drinking Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000451:nursing; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006699:Home Care Services; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D009735:Nursing Homes; D011322:Primary Prevention; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D013894:Thirst / Q000502:physiology; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance / Q000502:physiology