Living with a Urinary Catheter - Hydration Guide - Flipbook - Page 7
Recognising dehydration
Anyone can become dehydrated,
however some groups of people
are particularly at risk:
• Older people (they may be less
aware that they are becoming
dehydrated)
• People with long-term conditions
e.g. diabetes/alcoholism
• Babies/infants (they have low body
weight and are sensitive to small
amounts of fluid loss)
If a person’s
dehydration
isn’t managed
well, there
can be severe
dehydration
signs that
indicate
they should
immediately go
to the hospital.
Common signs of dehydration:
• Less frequent, a lower volume
and darker urination
• Dry lips, mouth and eyes
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
(especially on standing)
• Headaches
• Muscle cramps
• Lack of concentration
• Constipation
Severe dehydration signs:
•
•
•
•
Feeling unusually tired or confused
A weak or rapid pulse
Fits (seizures)
Being unusually drowsy/unrousable
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