439,189 views
22 votes
22 votes
Describe the pathophysiology of dehydration. Discuss the body's response to dehydration in infants and older adults. What age appropriate education would you as a health care provider give to either parents of infants or older adults to prevent dehydration.

User Kevin Busch
by
2.9k points

1 Answer

20 votes
20 votes

Answer:

During hypernatremic dehydration, water is osmotically pulled from cells into the extracellular space. To compensate, cells can generate osmotically active particles (idiogenic osmoles) that pull water back into the cell and maintain cellular fluid volume. Dehydration is not always related to an underlying condition. It may be caused by:

Vomiting & diarrhea (especially in infants & children)

Drugs that increase urine excretion (diuretics)

Excessive sweating particularly with prolonged exertion

Decreased water intake

Burns

Heat

Fastest ways to cure dehydration

Take small sips of water.

Drink electrolyte-rich beverages. ...

Drink barley water, which can help with heat strokes and restore electrolyte balance in the body.

Drink rice water, which is rich in salts and vitamin B, which rejuvenates the body and provides energy.

Drink beverages high in water content, such as coconut water. ...

Eat a banana

This is also known as water loss.

User Jacob Penney
by
2.6k points