Elderly Dehydration Essay example - 1523 Words

Most people don’t think about dehydration; let alone elderly dehydration. It is a common problem, in the aging, and often recognition along with treatment may be delayed; contributing to a high mortality rate. (Lavizzo-Mourey, 1987) By recognizing a potential problem early, you may save an older adult from a debilitating complication. (Hamilton, 2001) The prevention of elderly dehydration will deter illness and increases life expectancy, along with decreasing unnecessary hospitalization and cost. There are several causes to elderly dehydration, which can be broken down into four groups: physiological factors, psychological factors, functional impairments, and mechanical impairments. (Hamilton, 2001) The physiological factors are: natural†¦show more content†¦(Hamilton, 2001) If, these signs and symptoms go undetected, for a long period of time, they will result in chronic dehydration and cause several other medical issues. (Vasey, 2002) One of the results of chronic dehydration is fatigue or energy loss which resembles depression. (Vasey, 2002) Constipation is another result chronic dehydration, by removing too much excess liquid from stool making it hard to expel. (Vasey, 2002) Chronic dehydration also contributes to digestive disorders such as: poor digestion, gas, bloating, pain, nausea, ingestion, and loss of appetite. (Vasey, 2002) The average body produces 7 liters of digestive juices daily; but a dehydrated individual will secrete less, thereby causing improper digestion. (Vasey, 2002) Chronic dehydration causes high blood pressure due to low blood volume and the vessels sharply contracting. (Vasey, 2002) It can also cause low blood pressure in individuals, with weak vasoconstriction, who again, have a low blood volume. (Vasey, 2002) Chronic dehyd ration is also the culprit of gastritis andShow MoreRelatedNo Other Beverage Compares to Water Essay1054 Words   |  5 Pagesis not enough water being consumed there is a chance of dehydration. Dehydration symptoms consist of pounding headaches, lethargy, confusion, weakness, dry chapped lips, and leather like dry skin. People with the highest risk are elderly and small children. As the body ages, normal processes are much slower. Mental awareness combined with use of diuretics, laxatives, and limited mobility increases their risk for severe dehydration. Most elderly people have less food intake which will increase theirRead MoreEssay on Human Nutrition 1 - Lesson 81536 Words   |  7 PagesGas/stove 4. Describe the symptoms of mild, severe and chronic dehydration, and how a lack of water might cause these symptoms to occur. 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