Dehydration Essay

605 Words2 Pages

Dehydration can happen at any age and from a variety of primary causes including diarrhea, vomiting, use of diuretics, exercise, and exposure to extreme heat. The body has compensatory mechanisms to balance mild dehydration or fluid deficit of 2-4%; however, moderate fluid deficit of 5-8% can lead to electrolyte imbalances, postural hypotension, and dryness in skin and mucous membranes (Porth, 2011). In severe dehydration, or fluid deficits greater than 8% severe hypotension and shock can occur (Porth, 2011). The circulatory system has its own compensatory mechanisms for fluid volume deficits. These include changes in cardiac output, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Case Study:
The patient is a 55-year-old man admitted to the hospital for dehydration secondary to vomiting. The physical examination of the patient revealed dry mucous membranes and vital signs as follows: Pulse 110, blood pressure 100/60, and respirations of 20.

Components of Blood Pressure
The two measurable components in the blood pressure equation are the systolic and diastolic pressures. They are writt...

Open Document