Dehydration Questions

1. How can I get my mother to drink more liquids?

   From experience, I know that sometimes it can be a challenge to get some older people to drink liquids. First, ask yourself how much liquids your mother should be drinking. Most adults need around 6 to 8 eight ounce glasses daily. I know that you don't want her to get dehydrated again, but you may be trying to get her to drink too much...
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2. My mother with Alzheimer's almost died of dehydration twice. What could be the cause?

   Dehydration can cause organ failure and death if ignored.
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3. What's the Best Treatment for Swine Flu or for Seasonal Flu?

   For most people, the H1N1 flu (formerly known as swine flu) is like the seasonal flu: It causes a "self-limited" illness, which means that one feels sick but eventually gets better on one's own. In these cases, antiviral medications are not usually given. The mainstay of treatment is to stay home, rest, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration...
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4. Should my mother be using an IV when in hospice care?

   IV therapy in hospice care is a controversial issue. Many research studies have been done on this topic. In many cases, IV therapy isn't an option for hospice patients because they have poor veneous access (no veins), or a health condition that makes giving fluids dangeous, like kidney disease...
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5. How can I introduce more liquids into my husband's diet?

   Keeping adequately hydrated is a common concern for people of all ages, especially in these hot summer months. For caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s, it presents even greater challenges. First congratulations on being very creative in offering your husband foods that have high water contenent...
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6. What Are the Symptoms of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) or of Seasonal Flu?

   The symptoms of H1N1 flu, also called swine flu, are essentially the same as the symptoms of normal seasonal flu. The most common signs of flu are fever, cough, and sore throat. Symptoms can also include body aches, headache, chills, runny nose, and feeling especially tired.
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7. Is there anything I can take to relieve constipation due to pain medication?

   First, make sure you're drinking enough fluids. Most clinicians recommend 6 to 8 cups of fluid daily. Coffee and other caffeinated beverages such as cola don't count. They are actually dehydrating. If fluids aren't an issue and you're drinking enough, I would next look at your diet. Are you eating enough fiber...
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8. Where can I find Dr. Fordyce's article on dehydration and dying?

   An article titled "Dehydration Near the End of Life" was originally published in the Annals of Long-Term Care in 2000—Volume 8, Issue 2. Unfortunately, the archives of the publication’s website do not go back that far. So if you are intent to find that particular article, you may need to go throughough your local library or university medical school...
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9. Are delusions and high blood pressure both symptoms of dehydration?

   When people have Alzheimer's disease, they can develop delirium easily. Delirium is a temporary change in consciousness which can cause delusions and worsening confusion. Dehydration can cause delirium for sure, so if he was truly dehydrated, this may have caused your husband's symptoms...
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10. Is dehydration a risk with Alzheimer's?

    Yes, you do need to be mindful of dehydration. Since your mom has Alzheimer's, she may forget to drink or not realize that she's thirsty. Her medications can also be dehydrating; for example, blood pressure drugs could dry her out even if she does drink some water...
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11. What could cause occasional electrolyte imbalances?

    This is a difficult question to answer, as I cannot examine your mother or see the actual lab results that you talk about in your question. That being said, the symptoms you describe your mother having can be brought on by low sodium. For the most part, low potassium and low sodium are usually caused...
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12. How long does a doctor or other health professional usually wait to give morphine if the patient is not eating or drinking?

    When someone is not eating or drinking, this is usually a sign that their body is shutting down. If the potential is there that someone is nearing death, I will make sure that they have pain medications ordered so that they will be comfortable. If a person is able to swallow safely, oral medications like Vicodin can be given...
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