Water

Question 1

What is water?

Answer 1

Water is a simple dipole which has many functions in the body including lubrication, insulation, excretion, regulation of temperature and communication. It is the largest component of the body , in males 60% and in females 50%

Question 2

What is thirst?

Answer 2

Thirst is the conscious desire to drink water and is the primary regulator of fluid intake

Question 3

What is dehydration?

Answer 3

Symptoms of mild dehydration include headache, alert, restless, feel unwell and thirst
Symptoms of moderate dehydration include lethargic, rapid pulse, blood pressure, dry mouth and eyes, skin retracting, concentration urine
Symptoms of severe dehydration include drowsy, limp, rapid feeble pulse, no urine, death

Question 4

How do you treat dehydration?

Answer 4

To treat mild dehydration drink water and increase intake of appropriate fluids. For moderate and severe dehydration an IV may be required or ORS

Question 5

What are Oral Rehydration Salts?

Answer 5

ORS are made to rehydrate and replace electrolytes (tend to lose sodium and potassium), important for osmolality, clean water, minerals (sodium, potassium, glucose, chloride, bicarbonate) and co-transport of sodium and glucose