Dehydration

Subject: Medical and Surgical Nursing I (Theory)

Overview

Dehydration is a condition marked by a reduction in blood volume, more especially, plasma volume. Its causes include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, excessive perspiring, burns, diabetes insipidus, etc. Dry, sticky mouth, thirst, decreased urine output, dry skin, constipation, etc. are some of its symptoms. Blood tests, urinalysis tests, etc. are used to diagnose it. The only way to cure dehydration is to replenish lost electrolytes and fluids. The optimum method of treating dehydration therefore relies on age, the degree of dehydration, and its underlying causes. Recommend an oral rehydration solution to the patient. Encourage the patient to drink plenty of water if moderate dehydration is present. Dehydration is best treated with water. If there is significant dehydration, the patient is given an IV infusion.

It is a condition in which the volume of the blood has diminished, more notably the volume of plasma.

Causes

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Excessive sweating
  • Burns
  • Diabetes insipidus
  • Drugs such as diuretics
  • Rarely, it may occur as a result of a blood donation

Symptoms

  • Dry, sticky mouth
  • Sleepiness or tiredness
  • Thirst
  • Decreased urine output
  • Few or no tears when crying
  • Dry skin
  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Low blood pressure
  • Rapid breathing
  • Rapid heartbeat

Tests and Diagnosis

  • Physical examination
  • Blood test
  • Urinalysis

Nursing Management:

The only way to cure dehydration is to replenish lost electrolytes and fluids. So, the optimal method of treating dehydration depends on the patient's age, the degree of their condition, and the underlying causes.

  • Advise patient to Use an oral rehydration solution.
    • These solutions replenish fluids and electrolytes by combining water and salt in a precise ratio.
  • Advise patient to avoid certain foods and drinks.
    • Oral rehydration solutions are the best liquid for sick children because plain water lacks essential electrolytes and sports drinks only replenish electrolytes lost through sweating, not through diarrhea or vomiting. Avoid offering milk, sodas, fruit juices, and other beverages that don't help with dehydration and could exacerbate symptoms.
  • Encourage the patient to drink a lot of fluids if mild dehydration is present. Dehydration is best treated with water.
  • The patient receives IV infusions if there is significant dehydration present.

 References

  • Mandal, G. (August 2013). A Textbook of Adult Health Nursing (2nd ed.). Dilllibazar kathmandu: Makalu publication house. Retrieved August 2013
  • medicinenet.com › home › digestion center › digestion a-z list › diarrhea index 
  • webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-diarrhea
Things to remember
  • Dehydration is a state of decreased blood volume; more specifically, decrease in volume of plasma. 
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, excessive sweating, causes. 
  • Thirst
  • Decreased urine out put 
  • Constipation 
  • The only effective treatment for dehydration is to replace lost fluids and lost electrolytes.  
  • If modehydration is present suggest patient to take lots of fluid. Water is best to treat dehydration.
  • If severe dehydration is present IV infusion is provided to patient.
Questions and Answers

Nursing Management

The only way to cure dehydration is to replenish lost electrolytes and fluids. The best dehydration treatment strategy therefore depends on age, the severity of dehydration, and its underlying causes.

  • Recommend an oral rehydration solution to the patient.
    • These solutions replenish fluids and electrolytes by combining water and salt in a precise ratio.
  • Tell the patient to stay away from certain foods and beverages.
    • Oral rehydration solutions are the ideal fluids for sick children because simple water lacks necessary electrolytes and sports drinks only replenish electrolytes lost via sweating, not through diarrhea or vomiting. Avoid offering milk, sodas, fruit juices, and other beverages that don't help with dehydration and could exacerbate symptoms.
  • Encourage the patient to drink plenty of water if moderate dehydration is present. Dehydration is best treated with water.
  • If there is severe dehydration, the patient is given an IV infusion.

 

Dehydration

It is a condition in which the volume of the blood has decreased, more specifically the volume of plasma.

Causes

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Sweating excessively
  • Burns
  • Diabetic nephropathy
  • Substances like diuretics
  • Rarely, it could happen as a result of donating blood.

Symptoms

  • An uncomfortable mouth
  • Drowsiness or fatigue
  • Thirst
  • Reduced urine production
  • Several or no tears when sobbing
  • Arid skin
  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Reduced blood pressure
  • Breathing roar
  • A quick heartbeat

Tests and Diagnosis

  • Physical manifestation
  • Urinalysis
  • Blood test

Nursing Management

The only way to cure dehydration is to replenish lost electrolytes and fluids. The best dehydration treatment strategy therefore depends on age, the severity of dehydration, and its underlying causes.

  • Recommend an oral rehydration solution to the patient.
    • These solutions restore fluids and electrolytes by combining water and salt in a precise ratio.
  • Tell the patient to stay away from certain foods and beverages.
    • Oral rehydration solutions are the ideal fluids for sick children because simple water lacks necessary electrolytes and sports drinks only replenish electrolytes lost via sweating, not through diarrhea or vomiting. Avoid offering milk, sodas, fruit juices, and other beverages that don't help with dehydration and could exacerbate symptoms.
  • Encourage the patient to drink plenty of water if moderate dehydration is present. Dehydration is best treated with water.
  • If there is severe dehydration, the patient is given an IV infusion.

 

© 2021 Saralmind. All Rights Reserved.