Dehydration and Hypocalcemia

Dehydration and Hypocalcemia

Shonna Dillman

Maryville University

Dehydration and Hypocalcemia

Why are the very young and very old people at higher risk for dehydration than individuals of other ages?

The very young and very old people are at a greater risk for developing dehydration quickly for some very different reasons and some similar reasons. The very young have higher metabolic rates, loss of fluids through diarrhea, and possibly immature kidneys (McCance & Huether, 2010). Children are also dependent upon caregivers, as well as some elderly. The elderly may be at a higher risk due to decreased thirst sensation, their kidneys may not be as efficient, disability limiting their access making them dependent upon others, as well as less intake due to incontinence (McCance & Huether, 2010). Whether young or older, nursing must be diligent to educate parents, the elderly and caregivers in the fluid needs, as well as possible medical needs, in relation to avoidance of dehydration.

Many children suffer from dehydration and become symptomatic quickly. In an article by Spandorfer, Alessandrini, Joffe, Localio, and Shaw, it was found that approximately 10% of children admitted suffer from dehydration due to gastroenteritis (2005). Oral hydration cannot always be achieved especially if the child is vomiting as well as suffering from diarrhea, which leads parents to take their children to the hospital for care. Parents may need education and emotional support in the prevention of dehydration in children.

In the older population, dehydration can also be caused by ineffective kidneys, they may not be able to hydrate themselves due to a disability such as stroke, or they chose not to intake fluids. Hydration is an important fac...

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Graff, A., Miller, F., Roehm, C., & Prihoda, T. (2010). Predicting hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy: Parathyroid hormone level vs. serial calcium levels. ENT: Ear, Nose & Throat Journal, 89(9), 462-465.

McCance, K.L. & Huether, S.E. (2010). Pathophysiology: The biological basis for disease in adults and children. (6th ed.) Mosby: Maryland Heights, Missouri. ISBN: 978-0323065849.

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