GI/GU: Oral fluids

Water is essential for human life. It’s the main substance in our bodies, making up more than 50% of a person’s body weight, and it’s directly involved in every biochemical reaction in each cell in our body.

Normally, the amount of total body water should be balanced through the ingestion and elimination of water, ins, and outs.

About 80% of our water intake comes from drinking fluids, the other 20% comes from the food we eat.

Water content in food varies, but some fruits and vegetables, like watermelon or strawberries, are 90% water by weight.

Now, the recommended daily amount of fluid intake for an adult is around 10 to 20 glasses, which is about 1.5 liters to 3 liters.

As far as water output goes, we eliminate water through breathing, as humidified air leaves the body, as well as through sweating, urinating, and bowel movements. Now, when water losses are greater than the intake, it results in dehydration.

There are many causes of dehydration, ranging from not drinking an adequate amount of fluids throughout the day, to losing too much through vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, burns, excessive sweating, or vigorous exercise.

So, it’s important to encourage clients to maintain proper hydration and recognize the various reasons why a client might not have adequate fluid intake.

Some groups like children and the elderly are more prone to dehydration. Children have a higher surface area to body mass ratio, so they end up losing more water through their skin.

The elderly have decreased thirst sensation and might be taking medications that alter their hydration status.

Oftentimes, they also have chronic diseases that affect their kidneys’ ability to maintain a healthy water balance.

Individuals in comas or with dementia are also more susceptible to dehydration because they might not be able to express their thirst.

Now, when the opposite happens, meaning that the intake is greater than the water losses, this can result in an excessive amount of fluid building up in the tissues.

And that’s known as edema. This could be caused by various conditions, particularly heart and kidney disease, where the body has trouble eliminating excess fluid.

To maintain fluid balance, the healthcare provider may order an adjustment to the client’s fluid intake.

To assist with that, it’s important to, first, ask the nurse about the exact amount and type of fluids that should be provided.