This document discusses dehydration, who is at risk, signs and symptoms, and ways to promote drinking fluids. It notes that water makes up two-thirds of the body and dehydration can occur from not drinking enough or losing fluid. People at risk include those dependent on others, with swallowing problems, high temperatures, diarrhea or vomiting, or after strenuous activity. Signs include decreased urination and appetite, pale appearance, headaches, and confusion. The document recommends monitoring for early signs, ensuring access to drinks, and encouraging fluid intake with food and different drink options. Drinking enough fluid can help prevent various health issues. Providing water to patients demonstrates care and keeps them hydrated.
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Healthy Hydration study session for HCSWs in practice
2. By the end of this session you should be able to:
 To describe dehydration
 Discuss who is at risk from dehydration
 Discuss signs and symptoms
 Discuss what to do if you are concerned
 Discuss the benefits of drinking fluid
 Be able to promote water for Health!!!
3.  Water makes up two thirds of our body.
 It is vital we drink enough fluid to maintain a
healthy balance.
 Most people get dehydrated by not drinking
enough fluid or by losing fluid and not
replacing it...
4.  People who are dependent on others for
provision/access to fluids
 People who have swallowing problems
 People who have a raised temp/or sweating
 People with diarrhoea and or vomiting
 People who have taken part in strenuous
physical activities
5.  Is the person eating/drinking less than usual
 Is the persons pale, or drinking small amounts
 Does the person’s urine smell strong
 Do they complain regularly of headaches
 Do they feel tired
 Do they have a dry mouth, lips or eyes
 Are they lacking in concentration
 Do they appear confused, suffer with
constipation or prone to urinary tract infections
 Are they always thirsty
6.  Act on early warning signs (as shown)
 Plan visits around mealtimes
 Document fluid input and output
 Sit with the pt /observe/ask relatives/feedback
 Encourage at least 8 drinks a day/after snacks
 Ensure both hot and cold drinks are safely and
freely accessible
 Encourage food with fluid
 Think about ice cream, lollies, jellies, soups ,
melons and water as to maintain fluid intake
 Access support networks/ nurses/family
members /MDT...
7. Drinking enough fluid can assist in
preventing or treating:
 Headaches
 Heart disease/ low BP /kidney stones
 Diabetes (management of)
 Urinary tract infections
 Constipation
 Dizziness and confusion ( which leads to falls)
 Cognitive impairment
 Kidney stones
 Poor oral health
 Pressure ulcers/skin conditions
9. “Water is well know for its revitalising properties.
However, although it is essential to health and is
one of the six basic nutrients(along with
carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, proteins and
minerals), the importance of water often gets
overlooked.
Providing fresh water to patients helps to keep
them hydrated and improves their well-being.
Providing fresh water also demonstrates care of
patients in a way that relatives and visitors can see
10.  Water is one of the six basic nutrients
 A hospital patient could drink two litres of tap
water a day for nearly five months, and it would
only cost the NHS the price of a first class stamp
 10 litres of tap water costs around one penny-that
can be as much as 1,000 times cheaper than soft
drinks, caffeinated drinks and bottled water.
 We each use around 150 litres of water a day, but
national surveys show us that we currently drink as
little as on litre – that's around half the amount we
need...
#7: Give spotting the signs of malnutrition and dehydration leaflet, fluid nutrition, calogen and fortijuice info, which all Contribute in reducing pt mortality , admission to hospital and length of patients stay.