Technique

• Assess the mucous membranes, skin turgor, and capillary refill, recognizing the reduced reliability of turgor in older adults.
• Estimate intake and output and reconcile them against the ordered fluid plan.
• Perform orthostatic vital signs when dehydration is suspected (technique in Vital Signs).
• Weigh consistently and interpret the trend (volume meaning with Cardiovascular).
• Reconcile fluid status against diuretics and the ordered plan, and distinguish overload from deficit.