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Published on: September 30, 2020
Hospital Admissions for Malnutrition and Dehydration in Patients With Dementia
Katherine A Marshall1, Rosanne Burson, Kristyn Gall
1Katherine A. Marshall, DNP, PMHCNS-BC, is an Assistant Professor, McAuley School of Nursing, University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, Michigan. Rosanne Burson, DNP, ACNS-BC, CDE, FAADE, is an Assistant Professor, McAuley School of Nursing, University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, Michigan. Kristyn Gall, MSN, PMHCNS-BC, NP, is the Owner, Optimal Care INC, Bingham Farms, Michigan. Mitzi M. Saunders, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, is an Associate Professor, McAuley School of Nursing, University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, Michigan.
Abstract:
Dehydration and malnutrition are commonly experienced by patients with dementia and can result in hospitalizations and decreased quality of life. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe retrospectively, the incidence and correlations of variables that may precede hospitalizations for dehydration/malnutrition in the community-dwelling patient with dementia. Data from the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) Start of Care (SOC) on 44 patients served by a Michigan home care agency were retrieved for analysis. This study did not reveal any single or collection of variables that would predict risk for hospitalization for dehydration/malnutrition. With the lack of specific predictors of hospitalization related to dehydration and malnutrition, clinicians need to place high priority on risk-lowering strategies and preventive education for patients, family, and caregivers.
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