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Identifying at risk nursing home residents using a polydipsia screening tool
Sheila A Reynolds1, Marlene Wellman Schmid, Marion E Broome
1Nursing Solutions Consultants, LLC, Mequon, WI 53092, USA. Sheila@nscllc.com
Archives of Psychiatric Nursing
|April 24, 2004
Summary
Nursing home residents with schizophrenia face risks of polydipsia, or excessive fluid intake. A screening tool identified 36% of patients with this condition, showing links to incontinence and smoking.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Gerontology
- Nursing
Background:
- Schizophrenia patients are at high risk for polydipsia, a condition of excessive fluid consumption.
- Polydipsia can lead to life-threatening complications, particularly in vulnerable populations like nursing home residents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the demographic and health characteristics of nursing home residents with psychiatric diagnoses.
- To determine the prevalence of polydipsia in this population.
- To describe behavioral characteristics associated with polydipsia.
Main Methods:
- A study was conducted in a 92-bed nursing home facility.
- Demographic and health-related data were collected for 70 residents with psychiatric diagnoses.
- A 17-item polydipsia screening tool was used to assess behavioral symptoms.
Main Results:
- 36% of residents screened positive for polydipsia.
- Behaviors associated with positive screening included incontinence, smoking, frequent urination, and fluid preference over food.
Conclusions:
- Polydipsia is prevalent in nursing home residents with psychiatric diagnoses.
- A dedicated polydipsia screening program can help reduce associated health risks.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing polydipsia in this population.