Ch. 3 Hydration

Question 1

Signs and symptoms of dehydration (7)

Answer 1

1. thirst
2. weakness, headache, fatigue, lightheadedness & irritability
3. dark, smelly urine.
4. diminished urine output
5. history of inadequate water intake
6. Signs and symptoms of shock
7. change in mental status

Question 2

treatment principles of dehydration (4)

Answer 2

1. drink water until no longer thirsty
2. you can add sugar and salt to the water, typically not needed
3. takes a while to develop and a while to treat
4. severely dehydrated patients may have electrolyte imbalance as well as fluid loss - rapid evac

Question 3

What is hyponatremia

Answer 3

excessive water intake that dilutes blood sodium

Question 4

Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia (5)

Answer 4

1. history of heavy water intake
2. headache
3. unusual weakness and fatigue
4. swelling and bloating
5. nausea and or vomiting

Question 5

treatment of mild/moderate hyponatremia

Answer 5

1. no fluid intake
2. rest until signs and symptoms subside
3. salty snacks or two bullion cubes in 100 ml of water

Question 6

signs and symptoms of severe hyponatremia (6)

Answer 6

1. history of heavy water intake
2. headache
3. unusual weakness and fatigue
4. swelling and bloating
5. nausea and or vomiting
6. altered mental status

Question 7

treatment of severe hyponatremia (1)

Answer 7

rapid evac

Question 8

Prevention of dehydration & hyponatremia

Answer 8

1. use thirst to guide hydration
2. avoid over-hydration
3. monitor urine output for color and quantity
4. heat stress and dehydration can be cumulative
5. drink 3-4 liters a day
6. exercise early or late in the day in hot environments, rest often
7. give yourself 10-14 days to acclimatize to hot environments before beginning heavy exercise
8. wear well vented open weave clothing
9. cover your head and wear sunglasses
10. very young and older adults are less efficient at head loss
11. drugs have been known to contribute to heat illness