Fluid Status Vulnerability in Older Adults.

Suzanne Purvis, Terry Gion

Journal: Journal of infusion nursing : the official publication of the Infusion Nurses Society 2024;47(1):49-53

PMID: 38211615

Abstract

There is a growing body of evidence about physiological changes with age that impact fluid and electrolyte balance. It is important that infusion nurses have knowledge in managing care for geriatric patients so they can identify these changes when they are exhibited. Knowing how to minimize the effect of these changes on the health of older adults is critical. The infusion nurse with knowledge of geriatric-focused care can avoid complications and critical illness in older adults. In addition, it is important to provide specific patient education that is grounded in geriatric best practices. This information will assist older adults to better protect themselves from dehydration, kidney injury, and other complications associated with fluid balance, such as delirium. This article reviews the literature on specific changes with aging that predispose older adults to adverse complications with fluid imbalance. New technology in geriatrics that can improve management of fluid status, such as dehydration and electrolyte monitors, are also discussed. This review included searches of the Medline®/PubMed® Database using MeSH terms (National Library of Medicine). Search terms included the following: aging-biological; aging kidney; water-electrolyte imbalance; dehydration; hypo-hypernatremia; hypo-hyperkalemia; delirium; wearable technology; and hydration monitors.

Address: Confidence in Aging, LLC, Alexandria, Virginia (Purvis); Confidence in Aging, LLC, Madison, Wisconsin (Gion).; Suzanne Purvis, DNP, APRN, GCNS-BC, FCNS, brings over 20 years' experience working in health care systems as a clinical nurse specialist in geriatrics to her current business, Confidence in Aging, LLC. The primary mission of Confidence in Aging is to help individuals, schools, communities, and businesses to better understand and manage aging. Suzanne has a doctorate in nursing from the University of Minnesota. She has won several awards in clinical excellence and in health care education and has achieved fellowship in the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists. Additionally, she is published on a variety of health care topics, including as contributing author in the current edition of the Adult-Gerontology Certification Review (ANCC, Springer Publishing, 2021). Suzanne's passion is to help everyone embrace and manage aging as a unique life phase.; Terry Gion, DNP, RN, CRRN, NE-BC, has over 40 years of experience working in the health care system. She has been a clinical nurse specialist in acute rehabilitation, nurse leader in medical and procedural nursing, and a consultant in various health care-related businesses. Terry has a doctorate of nursing from Concordia University. She has won various awards in clinical excellence and nursing leadership and has held board positions for professional organizations. She is published on clinical and leadership health care topics. Terry's passion is to provide evidence-based educational materials that can help others understand and manage their health and health care needs.

DOI: 10.1097/NAN.0000000000000534

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MeSH Terms: Humans, Aged, Dehydration, Water-Electrolyte Balance, Aging, Delirium