Ensuring Proper Hydration and Nutrition of Older Adults with Decreased Level of Consciousness

The literature was reviewed to obtain evidence-based research on effective interventions to enhance hydration and nutritional status in the older adult patient with decreased level of consciousness (LOC). Research has determined that older adults are at increased risk for dehydration and malnutrition. Additionally, cognitive impairments can lead to issues regarding nutrition and hydration. Nursing assessment of decreased level of consciousness can vary, and new nurses may have difficulty identifying patients who have a cognitive impairment. Due to previous research findings, we analyzed ways to increase accurate nurse identification of at-risk patients for the purpose of increasing fluid intake as well as preventing or treating dehydration and malnutrition in older adult patients with decreased levels of consciousness. Keywords: Dehydration, malnutrition, older adult, level of consciousness (LOC), cognitive impairment