One of the most important things I do as a nurse on a daily basis is calculate the intake and output of my patients. This information is critical to prevent dehydration. As we learned in yesterdays blog post, “Everyone Poops” maintaining a balance of fluids in your body is key to all systems working properly. When you do not get enough fluids or lose more fluids than you take in, you can become dehydrated.
*Everyone is at risk for dehydration but infants, kids, and older adults are the most at risk.
How you could become dehydrated quickly:
- severe vomiting
- diarrhea (stool types 5,6,7)
- spiking a fever
- exercising
- being in hot weather
My husband Brett (holding green shoes) running Hood to Coast with his company Ethics Point! Talk about risk for dehydration.
- dark urine or urinating very little
- dizziness
- fainting
- weakness
- confusion
*With extreme dehydration brain damage even death can occur.
In children, signs of dehydration also includes:
- Sunken eyes
- little to no urine output or no wet diapers in 8 hours
- dark urine
- crying and not producing tears
- Tenting of skin: skin not bouncing back when pinched (frequently on backs of hands.)
Dehydration is serious and requires prompt treatment. But it can easily be prevented quite simply by drinking liquids. The best liquid to drink is always water. But most liquids will do.
My trusty camelback goes everywhere with me. I even decorated it with stickers.
*Special tip for parents of young kids: popsicles pack quite a few ounces of liquid.
When drinking water is not enough or your dehydration is severe doctors may recommend electrolyte rehydration solutions (pedialyte is a common choice). Doctors might even give you solutions directly in to your veins with an IV.
Prevent dehydration daily…go get yourself a water bottle and remember the signs!!!
In health,
Tara Arnold RN
