Paper
Thursday, July 12, 2007
This presentation is part of : Aging Population Health Initiatives
Effect of Thermo Mugs in Preventing Dehydration in the Elderly
Yvonne Diana Parchment, EdD, ARNP, CS, School of Nursing, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA and Patricia R. Messmer, PhD, RN, BC, FAAN, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Miami Children's Hospital, Miami, FL, USA.
Learning Objective #1: Discuss the implications of dehydration in older persons and the effect on healthcare.
Learning Objective #2: Demonstrate how innovative interventations can prevent dehydration and facilitate rehydration in the older peson.

EFFECT OF THERMO MUGS IN PREVENTING DEHYDRATION IN THE ELDERLY

 Background.  Dehydration is the most common fluid and electrolyte disturbance in the elderly population and has been identified as one of the most common reasons elderly patients seek emergency care (Mader,2006; Ferry, 2005). Dehydration is linked to shortened life span, increased incidence of skin breakdown, delayed wound healing and pneumonia (Amella, 2006).
Problem: Nurses are in a critical position to recognize early fluid volume deficit so that it does not proceed to dehydration and life threatening hypernatremia (Chassagne, Druesne, Capet,; Ménard, & Bercoff 2006`).  Elderly patients may have fluid volume deficits which can lead to renal failure, changes in LOC, and cardiopulmonary decompensation (Gross, 1991).
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of using a Thermo Mug to rehydrate elderly patients.  The research question: Is there a significant difference in hydration status of elderly patients who use Thermo Mugs to measure fluid intake? Methodology: A descriptive exploratory design was used.  Sample: Thirty nursing home residents participated and gave informed consents. Although a diagnosis of  dehydration was not always identified, nursing/medical notes indicated dehydration was an underlying problem.  Inclusion criteria: 65+ and able to speak English.  Exclusion criteria: Individuals terminal and refusing sustenance. Procedure: Demographic data was collected (ages ranged from 65-101)
Data Analysis. Staff reported that patients’ intake increased and urine concentration decreased since it was easier for the frail elderly to drink H2O from the mug and not have to pour from a pitcher to a glass.  Conclusion: An innovative nursing intervention, a Thermo Mug prevented dehydrated in frail elderly patients. This study adds to the literature by demonstrating how a unique nursing intervention can sustain care for high-risk frail elderly patients.