A target weight procedure for disordered water balance in long-term care facilities

J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv. 1992 Dec;30(12):22-7. doi: 10.3928/0279-3695-19921201-07.

Abstract

1. Water intoxication is a severe complication of disordered water balance. Hyponatremia precedes water intoxication and can be identified through abnormal diurnal weight variation. 2. The St. Louis Target Weight Procedure (STWP) is a nonintrusive method that includes a client's baseline weight, frequent weights throughout the day, a target weight of 5% above the baseline weight, and restricted fluids if the target weight is exceeded. 3. The STWP was positively related to an increase in urine concentration; thus it is successful in restoring normal fluid balance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Weight*
  • Circadian Rhythm
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Long-Term Care
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / complications*
  • Middle Aged
  • Nursing Assessment / standards*
  • Nursing Evaluation Research
  • Psychiatric Nursing / methods
  • Psychiatric Nursing / standards*
  • Water Intoxication / etiology
  • Water Intoxication / nursing*
  • Water Intoxication / prevention & control