High Risk Population for dehydration.

• A. Nursing home residents / elderly
• B. Fluid Rounds
• C. Normal Sleep Cycle
• D. REM

Answer: (A)

In older adults, especially those in nursing facilities, dehydration risk is highest because aging brings changes that reduce both fluid intake and the body’s ability to conserve water. The sense of thirst becomes blunted, total body water decreases, and kidneys may not concentrate urine as well. Many residents have chronic illnesses and take medications like diuretics that increase fluid loss. Functional and cognitive limitations can make it harder to obtain or recognize when they need fluids, and environmental or care factors (like fear of incontinence or staffing constraints) can further limit intake. Dehydration in this group can lead to delirium, falls, kidney injury, urinary tract infections, and electrolyte problems, so vigilant monitoring and proactive fluid management are essential.

The other options describe a process or concepts not tied to a specific high-risk population, so they don’t identify who is most at risk.