# Dehydration --- **Dehydration** is a severe health problem where the is too little [[body fluids]] to sustain normal biological functions. Dry mouth Sunken eyes "Sticky" secretions Amber colored urine, Rapid weak HR Low BP Headache Confusion low output % body fluid lost | symptoms :----------------:|---------- 1-2 | strong thirst, lack of [[appetite]], feeling uncomfortable 3-5 | dry mouth, reduced [[urine]] output, difficulty working/concentrating, flushed skin, tingling extremities, impatience, sleepiness, nausea 6-8 | raised [[body temperature\|temperature]], raised heart rate and breathing, dizziness, difficulty breathing, slurred speech, mental confustion, muscle weakness, blue lips 9-11| muscle spasms, delirium, swollen tongue, poor balance and circulation, [[kidneys\|kidney]] failure, descreased [[blood pressure]] \>12| unresponsive or comatose ![[dehydration chart.png]] ## The Very Young & The Very Old Infants and the elderly are both at higher risk of dehydration. The elderly are at higher risk because they have a lower level of base [[body fluids]], and are their sense of thirst weakens. Infants are at increased risk because they pee much more, have a higher ratio of surface area to core, and can't really tell us that they're thirsty in the first place. ## Correction of Dehydration • Oral rehydration • ORS - oral rehydration solution • Mild Dry oral mucous membranes of tho mouth and incroascd thirst • Rehydration goal 50 mL/kg per I kg ORS over 4 hours (hydration will be ordered specifically by the provider! Moderate • Sunken eyes. loss of skin turgor, increased thirst. and dry oral mucous membranes • Rehydration goal 100 mL/kg of ORS over 4 hours • Severe • Signs of shock (i.e.. rapid thready pulse. cyanosis. cold extremities, rapid breathing, lethargy, or coma) • IV replacement until hemodynamic and mental status return to normal then treat with ORS ___