Hydration/Oral Care Flashcards
1
Q
Dentures
A
Damaged and ill-fitting dentures are a common problem
Only 13% of persons with dentures get an annual dental examination
2
Q
Tips for denture care
A
- Always inspect oral cavity
- Rinse dentures after each meal to remove soft debris.
- DO NOT use toothpaste because it abrades denture surface
- use soft toothbrush or denture brush
- Plain water, mild soap, or sodium bicarbonate may be used
- After brushing, place dentures in solution over night or a few hours
- Dentures must be worm all the time except at night to allow relief from gum compression
3
Q
Age related changes to hydration
A
- Thirst sensation diminishes
- Creatinine clearance declines
- Total body water decreases
- Loss of muscle mass and increase in fat cells
- Other contributing factors include medications, functional impairment, and other comorbid conditions like diabetes
4
Q
Significant issues related to dehydration
A
- thromboembolic complications
- kidney stones
- constipation
- falls
- medication toxicity
- renal failure
- seizure
- electrolyte imbalance
- hyperthermia
- delayed wound healing
5
Q
Dehydration risk factors
A
- Medications (diuretics, laxatives, ACE inhibitors, and psychotropics
- Hospitalization
- Emotional illness
- Surgery
- Trauma
- Low body weight
- Dysphagia
- Oral problems
- Fever
- Diarrhea
6
Q
Why do older adults become dehydrated?
A
increase fluid losses combined with decreased fluid intake, related to decreased thirst
7
Q
Signs and Symptoms of dehydration:
A
- Often atypical in older adults
- Skin turgor is not reliable indicator in older adults
- Dry mucous membranes in mouth and nose
- Furrows on tongue
- Orthostasis
- speech incoherence
- rapid pulse
- decreased urine output
- extremity weakness
- dry axilla
- sunken eyes
8
Q
Lab test for dehydration
A
Labs: serum sodium, serum and urine osmolarity, and specific gravity
Most cases of dehydration have an elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN); however, there are many other causes for elevation of BUN/creatinine ratio
