Long-term enteral nutrition support and the risk of dehydration

Dehydration is a serious risk for the long-term tube-fed patient who is not allowed oral intake, has an altered mental status, is unable to communicate, is elderly or fluid-restricted, or has thirst impairment. The intent of this review is to provide a case-based discussion regarding the evaluation, treatment, and prevention of dehydration in these types of patients. Identification of risk factors, along with evaluation of subjective, objective, and laboratory parameters, provides the basis for clinical evaluation. "Hidden" sources of fluid intake such as the water content of solid foods and water generated from nutrient oxidation and "hidden" sources of fluid output such as evaporative losses should be considered in waterbalance calculations. The method for treatment and prevention of dehydration depends on the presence or absence of hypovolemia, type of body fluid losses, and whether the patient demonstrates hypernatremia, normonatremia, or hyponatremia.