SNHP | Senior Nursing Poster Session (Virtual)
Ensuring Proper Hydration and Nutrition of Older Adults with Decreased Level of Consciousness
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Nursing
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
2nd Student Major
Nursing
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Mrs. Neely Chandler MSN, RN
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
The literature was reviewed to obtain evidence-based research on effective interventions to enhance hydration and nutritional status in the older adult patient with decreased level of consciousness (LOC). Research has determined that older adults are at increased risk for dehydration and malnutrition. Additionally, cognitive impairments can lead to issues regarding nutrition and hydration. Nursing assessment of decreased level of consciousness can vary, and new nurses may have difficulty identifying patients who have a cognitive impairment. Due to previous research findings, we analyzed ways to increase accurate nurse identification of at-risk patients for the purpose of increasing fluid intake as well as preventing or treating dehydration and malnutrition in older adult patients with decreased levels of consciousness.
Keywords: Dehydration, malnutrition, older adult, level of consciousness (LOC), cognitive impairment
Ensuring Proper Hydration and Nutrition of Older Adults with Decreased Level of Consciousness
The literature was reviewed to obtain evidence-based research on effective interventions to enhance hydration and nutritional status in the older adult patient with decreased level of consciousness (LOC). Research has determined that older adults are at increased risk for dehydration and malnutrition. Additionally, cognitive impairments can lead to issues regarding nutrition and hydration. Nursing assessment of decreased level of consciousness can vary, and new nurses may have difficulty identifying patients who have a cognitive impairment. Due to previous research findings, we analyzed ways to increase accurate nurse identification of at-risk patients for the purpose of increasing fluid intake as well as preventing or treating dehydration and malnutrition in older adult patients with decreased levels of consciousness.
Keywords: Dehydration, malnutrition, older adult, level of consciousness (LOC), cognitive impairment