An elderly patient does not complain of thirst. What should the nurse do to assess that this patient is not dehydrated?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Assessing urine for osmolality can help determine if a patient is dehydrated. A higher osmolality indicates more concentrated urine, which can be a sign of dehydration. This is a non-invasive and relatively simple way to assess for dehydration and can guide further interventions if necessary. Intravenous fluid replacement or imaging studies may not be necessary in the absence of other indications.

An Elderly Patient Does Not Complain of Thirst