Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

1994

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Graduate Nursing

First Advisor

Phyllis Meyer Gaspar

Abstract

Water is the most important and essential nutrient in the diet of humans (Massler, 1979). Yet, limited research on water intake and factors associated with water intake among elderly nursing home residents have been conducted. The literature search revealed one study performed by Gaspar (1988a) on water intake and physical functioning utilizing the Norton At-Risk Scale. The purpose of this observational study was to determine the amount of water intake consumed by residents in one rural intermediate care facility and to explore the association between the residents water intake and their physical functioning. The convenience sample of thirty nine subjects (mean age of 86.3 years) were observed for two twenty four hour periods. Foods and fluids ingested were recorded. Data from the Norton At-Risk Scale and Minimum Data Set were obtained. To determine water intake adequacy, the average water intake of the two observational days was divided by the subjects [sic] standard water requirement of 1600 milliliters/m2 body surface area. The mean percentage of water intake adequacy among the subjects was 66.3%. Only four subjects met 100% of their standard water requirement. An adequate water intake was found to be associated with higher physical functioning ability. Increased length of stay of the residents was associated with a [sic] inadequate water intake. Health care professionals have a role in determining long care residents at risk for inadequate water intake and developing interventions to prevent the problem.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Nursing home patients -- Nutrition -- Requirements
Nursing home patients -- Physiology
Water in the body

Format

application/pdf

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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Rights Statement

In Copyright