Associations among fluid intake, cognitive function, and length of stay in psychogeriatric inpatients.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine differences, interactions, and associations among cognition, fluid intake, and demographic variables that may affect length of stay (LOS) for psychogeriatric inpatients aged 65 years or older. DESIGN AND METHODS Descriptive, comparative, correlational secondary analysis of data from a primary study of 202 inpatients. FINDINGS Older adults with and without cognitive impairment had different fluid intake over time (F = 3.50; p = .03), but had no difference in LOS in relation to cognitive functioning (p = .23); additional factors may predict LOS. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Care providers must monitor the fluid intake of elderly patients with and without cognitive impairment throughout their hospitalization.