Relation between Hydration Status and Cognitive Function among Critically Ill Patients

Abstract

Context: Proper hydration is important for optimal cognitive functioning as it plays an important role in neural conductivity. Failure to consume sufficient water leads to the deterioration of cognitive and neurologic functions, and dehydration is a risk factor for delirium.

Aim: This study assessed the relation between hydration status and cognitive function among critically ill patients.

Methods: The study used a descriptive correlational research design and was conducted in medical intensive care units I and II at Ain Shams University Hospitals. A purposive sample of 86 critically ill patients was selected. Four tools were used: A patient's hydration status physical assessment, a mini-mental state examination, a motor activity assessment scale, and an intensive care delirium screening checklist.

Results: Clarified that 46.5% of the studied patients had Euhydration, 30.2% had dehydration, and 23.3% had overhydration on the day of admission. Regarding cognitive functions, 29.1% of the studied patients had no cognitive impairment, 34.9% had mild cognitive impairment, 36% had severe cognitive impairment, and 53.5% had delirium on the day of admission. A statistically significant negative correlation between the total score of hydration and the total score of cognitive function throughout the four assessments was revealed in this study.

Conclusion: The current study concluded a statistically significant negative correlation between hydration status and cognitive function among critically ill patients. Integrating simple assessment tools, including the intensive care delirium screening checklist, into the routine assessment formats or the assessment flow sheet of critically ill patients, is recommended. Conducting training programs for the critical care nurses regarding caring for critically ill patients who experience hydration and cognitive problems to keep them up-to-date experience, knowledge, and evidence-based practice related to caring for such a group of patients.