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Dehydration

Long-Term Care Nursing Advisor, June 15, 2007

Dehydration is the loss of at least 1% of body weight as a result of fluid loss. Dehydration is a much greater problem than malnutrition in long-term care, and its symptoms are often atypical and easily mistaken for other illnesses or delirium. Measure blood urea nitrogen (BUN) regularly for all residents. All licensed nurses in the long-term care facility must be taught to identify abnormal BUN values and their implications, and recognize the signs of possible dehydration so that intervention may be instituted swiftly.

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