[Subcutaneous rehydration in patients in terminal phase of dementia]

Abstract

Background: Dehydration among seniors is not rare. It is both medical and nursing problem, leading to many complications. Attention is paid to ways of rehydration among seniors in terminal phase of dementia. Aim to evaluate frequency of complications due to subcutaneous rehydration in patients with terminal phase of dementia and to evaluate nurses opinion in relation to this method of rehydration.

Methods: Observational study has been designed in women psychogeriatric wards, Mental hospital Kroměříž, from June 2012 - December 2013, evaluating frequency of complications due to subcutaneous rehydration - local oedema, local infection, local erythema (60 patients group) and evaluating nurses opinion in relation to this method of rehydration (18 nurses group).

Methods: observation, interview.

Results: No complications of subcutaneous dehydration was found in 58 cases (96.6%), in 1 case local oedema (1.7%) and in 1 case (1.7%) local erythema manifested. Nurses reported effortles-sness of subcutaneous rehydration together with sparing of their working time and comfort to a patient in comparison with intravenous rehydration therapy.

Conclusion: Subcutaneous rehydration seems to be an appropriate method of rehydration in patients with terminal phase of dementia.

Keywords: dehydration - subcutaneous rehydration - dementia - palliative approach..