CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING PRACTICE
Adequate hydration is a basic human need. As individuals age, their daily fluid intake tends to decrease. Adults 85 and older, on average, drink the least amount of fluid at 850 cc per day (Zizza et al., 2009). Nurses should be aware that older adults are at increased risk for hydration problems, specifically dehydration, and should carefully assess the older individuals for whom they provide care. Older adults are a vulnerable population, and seemingly simple disruptions in fluid and food intake can precipitate an episode of dehydration. After establishing risk, nurses can provide the necessary education about fluid intake or offer assistance with encouraging intake by using some of the interventions discussed in the Hydration Management guideline (Mentes&Kang,2011). Nurses can also be proactive by advocating for shorter fasting times for older patients who are awaiting surgery or diagnostic tests, or ensuring that food and fluid are available after normal service hours (e.g., in the emergency department). In addition, nurses can carefully monitor intake when elderly clients are not feeling well, as several missed meals can contribute to hydration problems. Through use of the Hydration Management evidence-based practice guideline, dehydration episodes in older adults can be decreased and unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations may be avoided.