UNRECOGNIZED Chronic Dehydration in Older Adults: Examining Prevalence Rate and Risk Factors

Abstract
Journal of Gerontological Nursing | ABSTRACTDehydration has serious consequences for older adults, including increased risk of illness or death. This retrospective review of medical records describes the prevalence, assessment, and risk factors for chronic dehydration in 185 older adults who visited an emergency department in June 2000. Results showed chronic dehydration was present in 89 (48%) patients. Physicians documented