Maintaining oral hydration in older adults: A systematic review

Abstract

Dehydration is the most common fluid and electrolyte imbalance in older adults. The objectives were to identify the factors that increase the risk of dehydration in older adults, how best to assess the risk and manage oral fluid intake. Data sources included Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase and Current Contents, which were searched until February 2002. Randomized controlled trials for management of adequate fluid intake were undertaken. Cohort and case control studies were used for the identification of risk factors for dehydration. Studies of assessment tools for the identification of dehydration were also considered. Results show that there is no clear determination of the risk factors for dehydration and decreased fluid intake. The recommended daily intake of fluids should be not less than 1600 mL/24 h in order to ensure adequate hydration. A fluid intake sheet and urine specific gravity might be the best methods of monitoring daily fluid intake. Regular presentation of fluids to bedridden older adults can maintain adequate hydration status. In conclusion, more research is required to determine the optimum method of maintaining adequate oral hydration in older adults.

An exploration of the hydration care of older people: A qualitative study

“…This is highlighted in other studies (Kayser-Jones et al, 1999, Mentes 2006Simmons et al, 2001). The quality of care provided may contribute to 'institutionalisation' being a risk factor for dehydration in older people (Hodgkinson et al, 2003, Sullivan, 2005. Whilst care home HCAs indicated they learnt strategies to encourage fluid intake from their more experienced colleagues, it was intriguing that 27 the role of education in developing hydration care was not expressed by nurses in either setting.…”

“…The relative absence of hydration devices in both settings may enhance this dependence (Fraser, 2008). Intriguingly, those older people who are 'semidependent', that is, older people who are capable of obtaining their own fluids, but who in practice do not do so, may be most at risk of dehydration (Hodgkinson et al, 2003).…”

Prioritizing Patient Assessment Data (PAD) Using the Japanese Psychiatric Nursing Assessment Classification System (PsyNACS)©

“…Dehydration is the most common fluid and electrolyte imbalance, concern in the elderly patients. Nurses have to identify the risk of dehydration in older patients [12] [13]. In addition, psychiatric patients may be more at risk of cardiovascular complications, such as QT interval prolongation.…”

Yaşlılık ve sağlıklı beslenme

“…Ayrıca yaşlılarda antidiüretik hormon (ADH) seviyelerinde azalma vardır (54). Demans, mobilite problemleri veya hipertansiyon, kalp hastalığı ve böbrek hastalıkları varlığında ciddi düzeylerde dehidratasyon ve elektrolit denge bozuklukları gelişebilir (55). Dehidratasyonun sonuçları çok çeşitlidir ve bu sonuçların birçoğu besin alımını ve nutrisyonel durumu etkiler.…”