The home health nurse cares for an alert and oriented older adult patient with a history of dehydration. Which instructions should the nurse give to this patient related to fluid intake?
a. "Increase fluids if your mouth feels dry.
b. "More fluids are needed if you feel thirsty."
c. "Drink more fluids in the late evening hours."
d. "If you feel lethargic or confused, you need more to drink."
ANS: A
An alert, older patient will be able to self-assess for signs of oral dryness such as thick oral secretions or dry-appearing mucosa. The thirst mechanism decreases with age and is not an accurate indicator of volume depletion. Many older patients prefer to restrict fluids slightly in the evening to improve sleep quality. The patient will not be likely to notice and act appropriately when changes in level of consciousness occur.
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