[Dysphagia] thickened liquids

[Casper219 at aol.com (Casper219@aol.com)]

Patti,
The fluid availability for thickened liquids is generally 98 - 99% of the non-thickened liquids. 
However, I think risk of dehydration with thickened liquids is very real.  First, patient acceptance is an issue.  If they don't like what they are drinking, don't perceive that their thirst is being quenched, they are less likely to drink.  Second, if caregivers are involved, their perceptions about thickened liquids also enter in.  If the nursing assistant thinks the liquids are yucky, they are less likely to offer or might save the liquids until the end of the meal when the patient might otherwise feel full. 
I put all of my patients with dysphagia on a hydration "watch" because I believe that proper hydration is one of the essential foundations for healing.
Mary