underappreciated
symptom in intensive care (ICU) patients.
1 Thirst is closely tied to regulation of the
body’s fluid balance.2 Increases in osmolality and decreases
in volume increase levels of angiotensin II. Fluid
balance is tightly regulated; fluctuations in fluid
status remain at less than 1%.3 However, ICU patients
undergo many treatments that are not only essential
for their recovery but that also may result in derangement
of the neuroendocrine pathways that regulate
fluid balance and thirst.4 Medications such as diuretics