Clinical Update (NZ) Ltd

Hydration Worksheet

Name: ______Date: ______

Trainer: ______

Name of Training Company: Clinical Update (NZ) Ltd

List 6 reason why water is important in the body – any 6 of these

• Water is essential for life

• It is the body’s main chemical

• It plays a part in every bodily system i.e. lubricates joint & muscles, cushions organs, formation of protective coating for eyes, nose, lungs & air passages, formation of digestive enzymes & juices

• It washes through organs to bring nutrients to cells and moisture to tissues

• It flushes out wastes and toxins.

• Transports nutrients & medications

• Regulates body temperature

• Converts food to energy

What is extracellular fluid? Fluid outside the cells in blood, lymph glands & fluid that surrounds the cells

What is intracellular fluid? fluid that is in the cells

What is Fluid balance

Is the movement of water across the cell walls between fluid outside the cells (extracellular) & inside the cells (intracellular)

What are the 3 chemicals that regulate fluid balance in the body

sodium, potassium, chloride

What is the recommended fluid intake per kilogram for a person over 56 years of age? 30 mls per kilo of body weight

What is the average amount of fluid a body loses in a day 1500 mls and how does the body lose it? Through Breathing, Urine,Faeces, and Perspiration

List 5 signs of dehydration

• Headache

• Tiredness & lethargy

• Falls

• Constipation

• Muscle aches & pains, fever or flu like symptoms

• Gastro intestinal problems

• Dry & itchy skin

• Depression

• Urinary Tract Problems

• Altered blood sugar levels

List 6 causes of dehydration or water loss in the body

• Caffeine drinks

• Diarrhoea & Vomiting

• Reduced kidney function

• Hot, humid weather

• Neurological Impairment – Hypothalamus & Pituitary gland impairment in the brain– thirst sensation & fluid regulation)

• Increased temperature

• Unable to reach fluid

• Fluid not left for person

• Blunted thirst

Why is it important for you to give older person drinks of water on a regular basis?

Because the elderly do not know they are thirsty

What are 4 things you can do to help maintain fluid intake in a client and prevent complications from dehydration.

• Give full glass of water with medications

• Increased water (or juice) rounds

• Put fluid so a person can reach it and see it

• Assist a person to drink

• If a person cannot ask, you ask & offer them fluid

• Looks for signs of dehydration

Name the two conditions where a person may be restricted from drinking too much fluid?

• Kidney Disease

• Heart Disease

What are the 3 signs of Heart Failure?

• Weight gain over night

• Shortness of breath

• Swelling of legs