Hydration Guide - Flipbook - Page 5
WHY HYDRATION IS NECESSARY
Recognising dehydration
Between 800-2000ml of urine a day is normal; this can be between 2-6 (mostly full)
urostomy pouches. The urine produced soon after waking is usually darker yellow,
otherwise urine should be coloured 1-3 according to the urine colour chart.
HEALTHY
PEE:
1
2
3
DRINK
MORE:
4
5
6
Urine colour
changes can be
related to food
and drink e.g.
consuming lots
of beetroot or
bright coloured
fizzy drinks.
•
•
•
•
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In the first few weeks after urostomy surgery, you will
learn what is a normal daily urine volume for you. Other
dietary factors can also change the volume of our
urine e.g. a higher volume of urine due to consuming
lots of caffeine. For colostomies, most people should
pass formed stools and dehydration isn’t as likely. For
ileostomies, 500-1500ml of a porridge-like consistency
stool is normal. For all bowel stomas, stool losses of
over 1500ml/day is considered “high output” and is
considered a high risk factor for dehydration, however
having looser than normal bowel movements can still
be dehydrating. It’s important to be able to recognise
when you’re dehydrated to prevent nasty symptoms
and health problems like UTIs. Thirst is not a reliable
marker of dehydration, it’s a symptom that happens
after you are already dehydrated. Children and
older adults can have a weaker thirst response to
dehydration so it’s important to monitor the hydration
of these people.
Common signs of dehydration:
•
7
Less frequent, a lower volume and
darker urine
Dry lips, mouth and eyes
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
(especially on standing)
Headaches
Muscle cramps
If someone’s dehydration isn’t managed
well, there can be severe signs that
indicate this person should immediately
go to hospital to be quickly rehydrated.
Severe dehydration signs:
•
•
•
•
Feeling unusually tired or confused
A weak or rapid pulse
Fits (seizures)
Being very drowsy/unrousable
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