Question

The sensation of thirst decreases with age, as does the amount of water in our bodies, which makes seniors more at risk for dehydration. In addition, chronic illnesses and medications can effect fluid and electrolyte imbalances. How can nurses in the Long Term Care facility prevent dehydration in the aging adult? Which illnesses do you think have a greater impact on the elderly population in maintaining proper fluid and electrolyte balance, and why? Any medications that effect fluid /electrolyte balance?

Answer 1

Dehydration means the body does not have much fluid to meet the needs of the cells in the body..dehydartion is an important problem among older adults.In the period of oldage the body decreses the sensation of thirst and this eventually leads to dehydration and renal failure.The older adults get low sensation of thirst and also the urine become more concetrated.The older adults at risk for dehydration because of curinary continence,chronic problems with ,which may make the person reluctent to drink fluids.In the same way mobilty problems can cause harder for older aduts to drink fluid and can leads to dehydration.

• Dehydartion in older people can be prevented by certain methods.Frequently offer fluid to the old aged person,it is better if we make schedule for it.If teh person wish to drink beverage arrange it.They cant drink in a large quanity so offer them in small quanties of fluid at regular intervals.Clear out any continence issues that might be making the person reluctent to drink fluid .Offer them some electrolytes such as commercial rehydraetion solutions to prevent dehydration.Offer extra fluids when it hot or patient is ill.
• Mainly the older adults have reduced signal of thirst ,i addition to that chronic problems with urinary continence,memory problems can leads to dehydration.Living in nursing homes ,may cause lack of access to fluid .Swallowing difficulties also leads to dehydration and electrolye imbalnces in older adults.
• Many medication interact with urinary excretion and dehydration status.Some diuretics,angiotensin converting enzymes,heparin and non steriodal anti inflammatory drugs.
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