Malnutrition and Dehydration Injuries

Some residents cannot feed themselves properly. Generally, any weight loss of more than ten (10) pounds should concern you. Other symptoms may include not being able to stay awake, multiple urinary tract infections, severe weight loss, and parched lips.

Good nutrition and hydration is essential for everyone. For nursing home residents, eating and drinking can be difficult at times. Some residents may be dependent on others to supply food and water. When nursing homes neglect a patient's nutrition and hydration needs, bed sores, organ failure, shock, coma, urinary tract infections, and even wrongful death can occur.

If you suspect your loved one is suffering from malnutrition or dehydration, contact the nursing home malnutrition lawyers at NST. We know the signs that indicate malnutrition and dehydration.

• Pressure sores: Water and good nutrition keep the skin healthy. Weight loss or dehydration can remove natural cushioning that protects the body from bed sores.
• Dementia: Malnutrition and dehydration can cause or contribute to dementia.
• Organ failure, wrongful death: Nutrition and hydration are absolutely essential to health. Malnutrition and dehydration can cause the organs to fail.
• Recognizing malnutrition: A severe weight loss could indicate the patient is not getting enough food. The staff should also monitor blood serum, protein levels, albumin levels, potassium, and electrolyte levels.
• Recognizing dehydration: A urinary tract infection could be an indicator of dehydration along with low sodium, high white blood counts, and low blood urea nitrogen (BUN).

What should the nursing home do? The nurses, doctors, and aides should make sure patients are fed and get enough liquids. Especially when patients are unable to feed themselves, special care must be taken to feed them.

There is no excuse for failing to feed patients and keep them hydrated. If you suspect that your loved one died from dehydration or malnutrition, talk to our nursing home negligence law firm.

Free initial consultation. Are we the right law firm for you? If not, we will refer you to a law firm that better suits your particular circumstances. It will not cost you anything to find the right attorney.