Mrs. Joaquin tells you that one of her friends can drink only certain amounts of liquids and wants to know if that is the case for her

Question

What foods are considered to be fluids? What fluid restriction is generally recommended for someone on hemodialysis? Is there a standard guideline for maximum fluid gain between dialysis visits? If a patient must follow a fluid restriction, what can be done to help reduce his or her thirst?

Answer 1

• Fluid restriction for HD patients is as follows: ≥ 1 L fluid output: 2 L fluid intake; ≤ 1 L fluid output: 1-1.5 L fluid intake; Anuria: 1 L fluid intake
• The standard guideline for fluid gain is less than 5% of body wt. between dialysis sessions
• Foods that are considered liquids are all liquids and soups, frozen liquids (popsicles, sherbet, ice cream), yogurt, custards, and gelatin.
• Suggestions to reduce thirst/fluid intake include:
- Limit high-salt foods (to reduce thirst)
- Take pills with mealtime liquids, applesauce, or pureed fruits, as allowed
- Drink from small glasses and cups
- Drink only when thirsty
- Use very cold beverages and ones that are less sweet
- Weigh daily
- Use sour candy or sugar-free gum to moisten mouth; try special thirst-quencher gums
- Add some lemon juice to water or ice; the sour taste will help quench thirst
- Swish mouth with very cold water or low-alcohol mouthwash, but do not swallow
- Brush teeth often
- Keep lips moist with lip balm or moisturized lipstick
- Use ice cubes instead of liquids; one cup of ice is equal to ½ c water/juice and will last longer
- Freeze grapes and eat throughout day as a fruit serving
- Try frozen blueberries, pineapple tidbits, fruit cocktail, and other recommended fruits