How are hydration status and dehydration risk identified in LTCF?

• A. Hydration indicators include fluid intake, thirst, weight changes; dehydration risk triggers monitoring and hydration plan
• B. Blood pressure alone determines hydration
• C. Age of resident
• D. Diet variety

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that hydration status and dehydration risk are identified by tracking practical, everyday indicators of fluid balance and then acting on them. By watching how much fluid a resident takes in, whether they feel thirsty, and how their weight changes over time, staff can spot early signs that someone isn’t getting enough fluids. Regular weight checks are especially useful because even small losses can signal dehydration in older adults, whose thirst perception can be reduced. When these indicators point to insufficient intake or weight loss, a hydration monitoring process is started and a hydration plan is put in place, with interventions like offering fluids more frequently, assisted drinking, and scheduled hydration.

Relying on blood pressure alone isn’t reliable for determining hydration, because blood pressure can remain normal even when dehydration is present. Age by itself doesn’t tell you about current fluid balance, and diet variety doesn’t directly address whether a resident is drinking enough or losing fluids.