Dehydration

Question 1

What can cause dehydration in adults?

Answer 1

• loss of fluid from skin, gastrointestinal, or kidneys
• decreased or inadequate fluid intake
• loss of blood (hypovolemia)
• movement of fluid into the extracellular space (third spacing)
• diarrhea
• medications (diuretics)
• increased metabolic rate (e.g., fever, infection, or healing)

These causes are relevant across the lifespan.

Question 2

What is tonicity?

Answer 2

Tonicity is the concentration of solutes dissolved in a solution, affecting the movement of fluid across cell membranes.

Question 3

How does dehydration affect cellular function?

Answer 3

Fluid lost from cells can impair cell functions.

Question 4

What are the signs of dehydration in infants?

Answer 4

• sunken anterior fontanel
• no tears when crying
• dry diapers
• dry mucosal membranes
• lethargic
• thirsty

Infants cannot communicate their needs and are dependent on caregivers for fluids.

Question 5

What happens to urine color as dehydration worsens?

Answer 5

Urine color changes from pale yellow (normal) to golden (severe dehydration).

Question 6

What is the recommended daily water intake formula for adults?

Answer 6

Body weight x 0.5 or Body weight x 1 = ounces of water per day.

Question 7

What are hydrating foods that contribute to daily water intake?

Answer 7

• fruits
• vegetables
• soups
• popsicles
• soft or liquid-based foods (e.g., ice cream, soups, gelatin)
• drinks (e.g., coffee, tea, soda, milk, sports drinks)

These foods help maintain hydration.

Question 8

What are the signs of dehydration in older adults?

Answer 8

• confusion
• urine with ammonia smell
• dry mucosal membranes
• cannot sweat
• weak
• lack of thirst

Older adults may have difficulty communicating their needs.

Question 9

What is the difference in fluid needs between infants, adults, and older adults?

Answer 9

Fluid needs vary based on age-related differences in communication, mobility, and physiological responses.

Question 10

What are the rehydration steps for adults with minimal dehydration?

Answer 10

None or continue normal drinking.

Question 11

What is recommended for adults with mild to moderate dehydration?

Answer 11

Oral rehydration solution (ORS) 50-100 ml/kg, starting with sips and chips and increasing if tolerated.

Question 12

True or False: Dehydration can lead to confusion in older adults.

Answer 12

True.

Question 13

What are some techniques to improve hydration for older adults?

Answer 13

• Make fluids accessible
• Provide tools to make drinking easier (e.g., cups with lids, straws)
• Offer easy-to-eat fruits and vegetables

These strategies enhance fluid intake among older adults.

Question 14

What type of fluids are used for severe dehydration?

Answer 14

Both oral and intravenous (IV) fluids.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: Tonicity measures if there is more stuff than water _______.

Answer 15

[inside or outside of the cell].

Question 16

What are the signs of dehydration in adults?

Answer 16

• concentrated urine
• strong urine smell
• dry mucosal membranes
• water loss through sweating
• lethargic
• thirsty

Adults can communicate their needs but may neglect fluid intake due to busy schedules.

Question 17

What is the impact of dehydration on infants due to their surface area to volume ratio?

Answer 17

Dehydration can happen quickly because their surface area to volume ratio is three times that of adults.