Factors Affecting Hydration Status among Critically Ill Patients

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Clinical Instructor at Faculty of Nursing, Modern University for Technology and Information

2 Professor of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Ain Shams University-Cairo-Egypt

3 Assistant Professor of Medical Surgical Nursing, Ain Shams University-Cairo-Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Hydration is a complex physiological condition that includes total body
water, its distribution, and the concentration of the major electrolytes. Hydration status is
linked with health, wellness, and performance, it can be evaluated by water intake and urine
output. Aim of study: (1): Assess critically ill patient's hydration status (2): Assess the
factors affecting hydration status among critically ill patient. Research design: A descriptive
exploratory research design was utilized. Subjects: A convenient samples of 100 patients
were included in the current study. Setting: This study was carried out at the Intensive Care
Units of Elzaitoun specialized Hospitals. Tools of data collection: (1): Patient’s hydration
status physical assessment tool, (2): Factors affecting hydration status of critically ill
patient’s assessment tool. Results: revealed that half (51%) of the studied patients suffering
from fluid volume deficit (dehydration), and one third (33%) of the patients had fluid volume
excess (overhydration) and less than one fifth (16%) of the studied patients were euhydrated.
There is a significant relation between patient’s hydration status and age, history of ischemic
heart disease, vital signs, conscious level, cumulative fluid balance, diuretics, betablockers,
anticonverting enzyme (ACEI) medications at p. value < 0.001. Conclusion: It can be
concluded that there were many factors affecting patients' hydration status such as: antibiotic,
antacid, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, diuretic medications, level of
consciousness, respiratory infection, smoking, overweight, vomiting, fever, and impaired
skin integrity Recommendation: Future studies are recommended to evaluate patients’
hydration status and factors affecting hydration among critically ill patients and regular
follow up for all patients with hydration alterations to evaluate their health conditions and to
detect complications early.

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