Dehydration

Question 1

What is dehydration?

Answer 1

An excessive loss of fluid from the body
- as a result of persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, sweating
-or from lack of fluid intake

Question 2

What can dehydration be classified as?

Answer 2

• Mild or severe dehydration

Question 3

What is severe dehydration?

Answer 3

Is a serious condition that may lead to fatal shock and the accumulation of waste products in the body

Question 4

What are the causes of dehydration?

Answer 4

• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Heat exposure
• Fever
• Increased urination due to infection
• Impaired ability to drink, fo instance
  >someone in a coma, or on a respirator
  > Injuries to skin such a burns or mouth sores or severe skin disease or infections

Question 5

What are the clinical manifestations of dehydration?

Answer 5

• Increased thirst
• Dry mouth and tongue
• Palpitations
• Confusion
• Decreased urine output
• Poor skin turgor
• Sunken eyes

Question 6

What are the dehydration management strategies?

Answer 6

• Fluid and electrolyte therapy replacement

Question 7

What is the nursing care plan of patients with dehydration?

Answer 7

• Administer IV therapy to replace fluid and electrolyte loss
• Monitor intake and output
• Provide extra fluids
• Provide nasogastric tube feeding as prescribed
• Take vital signs at least four hourly
• Provide hygiene care
• Observe for signs of shock