Transitions of Care: Hydration & Fluid Balance

presented by Constance Sheets, DNP, RN, GCNS-BC

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Financial— Constance Sheets receives compensation from MedBridge for the production of this course. There are no other relevant financial relationships. Nonfinancial— No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.

Satisfactory completion requirements: All disciplines must complete learning assessments to be awarded credit, no minimum score required unless otherwise specified within the course.

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This course features an interactive case study. For the best experience, please watch this course on a desktop or laptop computer.

Frail elderly residents of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are at an increased risk for developing hydration issues. Dehydration is often a cause of morbidity and mortality of these elderly residents. Dehydration has been linked to an increased risk of developing infections. Dehydration and infections are two common problems that send SNF residents to acute care facilities. This course will provide nurses with a background of risk factors for dehydration and strategies to maintain normal hydration; it will also address how dehydration affects frail elders and puts them at risk for infections. Specific infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTI) and septicemia, along with physiologic changes of aging and signs and symptoms will be addressed. Analysis of strategies nurses can use to prevent dehydration and infections will be reinforced.

Meet Your Instructor

Constance Sheets, DNP, RN, GCNS-BC

Dr. Sheets has taught in the undergraduate nursing program at Valparaiso University since 2004. She is certified in gerontology and has an extensive home health background. She has co--authored articles that have been published in Rehabilitation Nursing and Nursing Education Perspectives, and has been a content reviewer for a gerontological nursing textbook. Professor Sheets has…

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Download the learning objectives for Transitions of Care: Hydration & Fluid Balance.

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1. Background: Hydration Status

Elderly SNF residents are at high risk for dehydration and infections due to fragility and comorbid conditions. This chapter will focus on physiological changes of aging in relation to hydration status and debility that can put the elder at risk for developing dehydration and infections. Signs and symptoms of dehydration and assessment parameters will be identified; the genitourinary system will also be discussed. Strategies to promote normal hydration status will be promoted.

2. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

The urinary tract is a common site of infection that can lead to acute morbidity and long-term complications. This chapter will discuss pathophysiology, risk factors, prevention strategies, and signs and symptoms of a UTI. Assessing a resident’s hydration status and recognizing a developing UTI will be reviewed to prevent readmissions.

3. Septicemia

Septicemia is a serious condition that is often associated with a high rate of mortality. Costs of treating septicemia are great, and septicemia has been touted as an illness that causes the most readmissions of Medicare recipients. This chapter will discuss the pathophysiology, risk factors, prevention strategies, treatment options, and signs and symptoms of septicemia. Nursing strategies to identify and recognize septicemia to prevent hospital readmission will be developed.

4. Case Study

In this case study, the learner will be able to synthesize what was learned in prior chapters of this course. Interactive technology will allow the learner to use their new knowledge and skills to meet the learning objectives to prevent readmission of high-risk residents.