Adequate oral fluid intake in hospitalized stroke patients: does viscosity matter?

PURPOSE: Sufficient intake of oral fluids to meet hydration needs is a critical recovery issue for patients hospitalized post stroke. Concerns for adequate oral fluid intake are generally focused on dysphagic patients restricted to thickened liquids; however, fluid intake patterns in stroke patients receiving thin liquids are unknown. METHOD: This study examines the oral fluid intake patterns of three groups over 72 hours: community dwelling individuals, patients hospitalized post stroke receiving thin liquids and patients hospitalized post stroke receiving thickened liquids. RESULTS: Mean oral fluid intake differed significantly between the two hospitalized groups (p = .04), with individuals receiving thickened liquids consuming less. Less than 1% of patients hospitalized post stroke met a minimum standard of 1500 mL/day, regardless of liquid viscosity. Conversely, community dwelling participants consumed significantly more fluids on average than their hospitalized counterparts. CONCLUSION: Compliance with beverage preference, frequency of beverage offering, and inaccurate preparation of thickened beverages were identified as factors potentially influencing fluid intake.