Tag: Hydration assessment

According to the British Dietetic Association, by the time a person feels thirsty, their body is already dehydrated. A hydration review is a systematic process of evaluating an individual's fluid intake and status to ensure optimal health, performance, and bodily function. This process goes beyond simply counting glasses of water, involving a deeper look into the many factors that influence fluid balance.

According to one study, over 25% of fluid balance measurements in an intensive care unit were inaccurate by more than 50 ml, highlighting the critical need for precise practices when calculating a client's fluid intake. Nurses must follow standardized, meticulous guidelines to ensure the accuracy of this vital metric, which directly impacts patient safety and care planning.