Ambulatory care
Ask older adults about their daily fluid intake and discuss how much fluid to drink on a daily basis, pointing out the need for increased amounts of fluid during exercise, in hot weather, and during illness. Review medications that affect fluid balance and increase or decrease dosages as needed. Recommend to healthy older adults with adequate renal function that they monitor their urine color. Remind older adults who have urinary incontinence that they shouldn’t impose restrictions on their fluid intake to prevent incontinence episodes. Regardless of the type of incontinence, adequate intake of fluid, approximately 1,500 to 2,000 mL per day, is indicated to maintain hydration.