Identifying at risk nursing home residents using a polydipsia screening tool
Persons diagnosed with schizophrenia are considered at risk for polydipsia, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by excessive consumption of fluids. This study examined the demographic and health-related characteristics of nursing home residents with psychiatric diagnoses (N = 70) who reside in a 92-bed facility. The prevalence of polydipsia and behavioral characteristics and symptoms as measured by a 17-item polydipsia screening tool also were described. Patients who screened positive for polydipsia (36%) exhibited behaviors that included incontinence, smoking, frequent voiding, and preference for fluid over food. A polydipsia screening program could minimize morbidity and mortality associated with this fairly prevalent condition.
Duke Scholars
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Related Subject Headings
- Water
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Schizophrenia
- Risk Assessment
- Nursing Homes
- Nursing
- Middle Aged
- Mass Screening
- Male
- Humans
Citation
Published In
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Start / End Page
Related Subject Headings
- Water
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Schizophrenia
- Risk Assessment
- Nursing Homes
- Nursing
- Middle Aged
- Mass Screening
- Male
- Humans