Signs and symptoms of poor nutrition and hydration

Poor nutrition/malnutrition can result in:

Death and increased risk of death

Wounds healing more slowly than otherwise

Inability/slowness to recover from infections and other illnesses

General ill health/impaired immune system/more prone to requiring hospital admissions

People may feel lethargic, lose of motivation and tire easily

People may become depressed

People may be neglecting themselves

Loss of muscle strength/power

Confusion

Poor hydration/ dehydration can result in:

• Death
• Mental confusion and/or inability to concentrate. (This increases rapidly as the dehydration progresses)
• An increase of infection
• It increases the risk of falls
• It increases the risk of kidney stones; urinary tract infections and constipation. (Lack of sufficient liquid intake can result in dark coloured, strong smelling, urine).
• It causes wounds and pressure areas to be slow to heal.
• Dizziness and falls
• Headaches
• Tiredness
• Adverse reactions to medication.

Use to answer question 8.1c of the Care Certificate