GI, Nutrition, and Elimination
GERD, ulcers, liver and bowel disorders, nutrition, tubes, ostomies, urinary symptoms, and dehydration.
Topic Card
Dehydration - "Too little fluid, weak circulation"
The body loses more fluid than it takes in. Blood volume drops, so the heart and kidneys struggle.
What the NCLEX Wants You to Know
- Priority: circulation and mental status changes matter most.
- Common trap: treating dry mouth as routine when urine output and confusion are worsening.
Causes
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Poor intake
- Diuretics
- Draining wounds or tubes
Signs & Symptoms by Body System
- Brain: dizziness, confusion, weakness
- Heart/kidneys: fast pulse, low BP, dark urine, low urine output
- Skin/mouth: dry mucosa, poor turgor, thirst
Lab Value + Danger Zone
Watch BUN/creatinine, sodium, potassium, urine specific gravity. Danger zone: confusion, hypotension, or very low urine output.
Nursing Actions - In Priority Order
- Assess vital signs and mental status
- Measure intake and output
- Report low urine or confusion
- Give oral/IV fluids as ordered
- Treat cause such as vomiting or diarrhea
Patient Teaching
- Drink fluids as allowed.
- Report dizziness, very dark urine, or fewer wet diapers/voids.
Memory Trick
DRY = Dizzy, Reduced urine, Yucky dry mouth.
NCLEX-Style Challenge
An older adult with diarrhea becomes confused and has very dark urine. What is the priority?
Answer: Assess perfusion/hydration, measure I&O, and report possible dehydration promptly.
Compare
Dehydration - "Too little fluid, weak circulation"
The body loses more fluid than it takes in. Blood volume drops, so the heart and kidneys struggle.
What the NCLEX Wants You to Know
- Priority: circulation and mental status changes matter most.
- Common trap: treating dry mouth as routine when urine output and confusion are worsening.
Causes
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Poor intake
- Diuretics
- Draining wounds or tubes
Signs & Symptoms by Body System
- Brain: dizziness, confusion, weakness
- Heart/kidneys: fast pulse, low BP, dark urine, low urine output
- Skin/mouth: dry mucosa, poor turgor, thirst
Lab Value + Danger Zone
Watch BUN/creatinine, sodium, potassium, urine specific gravity. Danger zone: confusion, hypotension, or very low urine output.
Nursing Actions - In Priority Order
- Assess vital signs and mental status
- Measure intake and output
- Report low urine or confusion
- Give oral/IV fluids as ordered
- Treat cause such as vomiting or diarrhea
Patient Teaching
- Drink fluids as allowed.
- Report dizziness, very dark urine, or fewer wet diapers/voids.
Memory Trick
DRY = Dizzy, Reduced urine, Yucky dry mouth.
NCLEX-Style Challenge
An older adult with diarrhea becomes confused and has very dark urine. What is the priority?
Answer: Assess perfusion/hydration, measure I&O, and report possible dehydration promptly.
Rapid Review
Find "What Do I Do First?" in Under 5 Seconds
- Assess vital signs and mental status
- Measure intake and output
- Report low urine or confusion
Memory Trick
DRY = Dizzy, Reduced urine, Yucky dry mouth.
Challenge Replay
An older adult with diarrhea becomes confused and has very dark urine. What is the priority?
Answer: Assess perfusion/hydration, measure I&O, and report possible dehydration promptly.