Biomedical subjects

Janet Mentes

Publications and source records attributed to Janet Mentes.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Oral hydration in older adults: greater awareness is needed in preventing, recognizing, and treating dehydration.

Maintaining adequate fluid balance is an essential component of health at every stage of life. Age-related changes make older adults more vulnerable to shifts in water balance that can result in overhydration or, more frequently, dehydration. This article reviews age-related changes, risk factors, assessment measures, and nursing interventions for dehydration.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2003

Hydration and acute confusion in long-term care residents.

Although it is generally appropriate for a healthy adult to consume 2000 to 2500 ml per day, the literature does not address evaluating any standard. The objective here was to develop a weight-based hydration management intervention and evaluate the impact of this on the incidence of acute confusion (AC) using an N = 98. The intervention consisted of a fluid intake goal based on 100 ml per kg for the first 10 kg, 50 ml/kg for the next 10 kg, and 15 ml for the remaining body weight. The treatment group received instruction and assistance on the fluid goal and the control group received routine care. Measurements included serum electrolytes, bioimpedance analysis, urinalysis, Mini-Mental State Exam, and the NEECHAM. There was no difference in the incidence of AC between treatment and controls, but those individuals with > or = 90% compliance demonstrated higher ECF volumes and also lower urine leukocyte counts.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2002

Monitoring hydration status in elderly veterans.

Dehydration is a common water and electrolyte disorder in long-term care residents. Practical methods to detect and monitor dehydration are needed. This study determined whether urine color measured by a urine color chart reflects hydration status. The study employed a repeated measures design with two observations during a 10-hour period. Urine color was compared to the criterion standard of urine specific gravity and osmolality. The sample included 89 participants from two Veterans' Affairs facilities. Urine color was graded on an eight-level color chart. Urine specific gravity and osmolality, serum sodium and osmolality, hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine were measured using standard laboratory procedures. Significant positive associations existed between urine color and both urine specific gravity and urine osmolality and between urine osmolality and serum sodium and the blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio. Although further testing is needed, the color chart has potential as a low-cost technology to monitor dehydration.

Aged↗