Final answer:
When increasing fluid intake for an older person, it's usually best to give most fluids before 5:00 PM to minimize nighttime urination. Diuresis starts about 30 minutes after drinking. Bladder training or catheterization is unnecessary without further medical indications.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a doctor orders increased fluid intake for an older person, it is essential to carefully manage the administration of these fluids with consideration to the person's health and daily routine. Given that elderly individuals may face challenges with frequent urination, especially at night, and may have conditions affecting their bladder control such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, it's generally advisable to give most of the fluid before 1700 (5:00 PM). This helps to reduce the need for nighttime urination, which can be difficult and disruptive for the patient. Additionally, it's important to monitor the patient's fluid intake to prevent issues like dehydration, which can further complicate health conditions. When an individual starts drinking water, diuresis, which is the increased production of urine, begins about 30 minutes after intake and reaches a peak after about an hour. There is no need to start a bladder training program or insert a catheter solely based on increased fluid intake unless there are specific medical reasons for doing so.