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Lexicomp and UpToDate Patient Handouts: Dehydration Discharge Instructions,

Adult

Patient Education

Dehydration Discharge Instructions, Adult

About this topic
Dehydration happens when you lose too much fluid and water from the body. Your body needs water. It also
needs other elements called electrolytes. You must have the right amount of both of these for the body to be able
to work normally. You lose some fluids each day. This happens through sweat, urine, bowel movements, and
breathing. If the water is not replaced, you can become dehydrated. This may be a serious health problem.

What care is needed at home?

Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not
understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.

Try to drink small amounts of fluid every 15 to 30 minutes. Increase the amount as you are able to tolerate
it.
For the first 24 hours, drink clear fluids such as water, juice, or weak tea. Sports drinks and oral electrolyte
solutions that you can buy at most supermarkets or drugstores are good too. Stay away from drinking beer,
wine, mixed drinks (alcohol), and too much caffeine.

If you have loose bowel movements or are throwing up, try to drink more fluids if you can or when you are
able.

If you are throwing up and cannot drink fluids, suck on ice chips until your throwing up stops.

If you are breastfeeding, keep feeding your baby.

What follow-up care is needed?

Some more tests may be needed based on your condition. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to
check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs based on your condition. Take your drugs as ordered.

Will physical activity be limited?

You may feel weak if you are still dehydrated. It is best to rest until you fully recover.

What changes to diet are needed?

If you have a heart or kidney problem and you are dehydrated, ask your doctor about how much liquid you can
drink each day.

What can be done to prevent this health problem?

Drink 6 to 8 glasses of liquid throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine
like coffee or soda pop. These may make you pass urine more often.

Eat foods high in water content such as fruits and vegetables.

When you work out or play sports, drink water 30 minutes before starting. Drink small amounts of water
during workouts and keep drinking liquids after working out.

Drink more fluids when the weather is hot. Try to stay out of the heat if possible.
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If you are breastfeeding, you need to drink more fluids.

When do I need to call the doctor?

Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills.

Trouble keeping fluids down or you keep throwing up

Dark yellow urine or passing only small amounts of urine at a time

Confusion or unclear thinking

Feeling weak, very tired, or dizzy

Fast heartbeat

Trouble breathing

You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand

The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking
with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered
each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make
sure you are able to do these:

I can tell you about my condition.

I can tell you how often I should try to drink fluids and good kinds of fluids to drink.

I can tell you what I will do if I have trouble keeping fluids down.

Where can I learn more?

NHS Choices
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Last Reviewed Date

2019-03-12

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

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This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care
provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about
conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices
that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health
and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care
provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training
to provide advice that is right for you.

Copyright
Copyright © 2020 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.

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