Final answer:
Decreasing fluid intake to cope with urinary urgency in older adults can lead to electrolyte imbalance, increased risk of urinary tract infections, and constipation due to the body's reduced ability to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
Step-by-step explanation:
To cope with urinary urgency, older adult patients may decrease their fluid intake. However, this may lead to electrolyte imbalance, increased risk of urinary tract infections, and increased risk of constipation. These complications arise because adequate fluid intake is essential for maintaining electrolyte balance, flushing bacteria from the urinary tract, and ensuring smooth bowel movements. Interestingly, while aldosterone does prompt the kidneys to reabsorb sodium, leading to increased blood volume and potentially higher blood pressure, it does not promote increased urine output. In fact, aldosterone helps in conserving water to maintain blood pressure. When fluid intake is reduced, the kidneys must work harder to concentrate urine, which can exacerbate bladder issues and lead to dehydration. Dehydration can then lead to further electrolyte imbalance and reduced urine flow, contributing to urinary tract infections and constipation.