It is important to monitor regularly for signs of dehydration.
Signs and effects of dehydration may include:
- thirst
- feeling dizzy/light headed
- sleepiness/tiredness
- dry, sticky mouth
- headache
- passing small amounts of dark, concentrated urine
- low blood pressure/hypotension
- rapid pulse/tachycardia
Monitoring hydration:
- recording input / output where appropriate
- weighing
- blood testing
- physical assessment
- ask the person if they are thirsty
- oral mucosa
- blood pressure monitoring
Dehydration can lead to: