Hydration

a basic human need
hydration status evaluated by evaluating mucous membranes and skin, skin turgor, and the amount and density of urine
sufficient oral intake of fluids (to assess the patient's self-sufficiency, to choose appropriate equipment enabling the intake of fluids, and to take into account the patient's limits), deliver the fluids parenterally if they cannot be taken orally
suitable beverages – water, slightly mineralized mineral water, unsweetened light tea
risk conditions for dehydration – children, seniors, diarrheal diseases, vomiting, fever, exposure to hot climate

Fluid balance monitoring

following doctor's orders – fluid balance per time unit (e.g. 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, …)
in the documentation you will see the abbreviation P/V (intake = input/output) or PVT (input/output = loss of fluids)
need for well-balanced fluid intake and fluid loss, use of medicines according to the diagnosis and the health state of the patient (e.g. dehydration, pulmonary oedema)
positive fluid balance = intake (P) > loss (V), negative fluid balance = P < V.
accurate records must be kept of
- fluid intake (exact volume of glasses, cups, etc.), soup and milk are counted, black coffee is not counted, the record is made after the entire content has been consumed; infusion solutions, blood transfusion products and blood derivatives are counted
- fluid output (urine, drainage secretions, vomiting, gastric content derivation)
if fluid balance is recorded by patient, thorough instruction is required; verification of understanding the instructions and control
one 24-hour period of fluid balance monitoring is usually terminated at 6 a.m. and evaluated by a nurse performing night duty