Ace the STNA Exam 2026 – Fast Track Your Nursing Future!

Offering fluids frequently while the client is awake is an effective strategy for preventing dehydration. During waking hours, clients are more aware of their thirst and can actively participate in their hydration. This approach allows the nurse aide to monitor fluid intake and ensure that the client consumes an adequate amount of fluids throughout the day. Regularly offering a variety of fluids can also help to encourage intake, especially if the client is provided with their preferred beverages.

Other options, such as waking the client hourly during the night to offer fluids, may disrupt their sleep cycle, resulting in fatigue, and may not effectively encourage fluid intake. Giving frequent baths does not contribute to hydration and might even lead to skin irritations if the client is sensitive or if they have certain medical conditions. Feeding the client salty foods to increase thirst is potentially harmful, as excessive salt intake can lead to other health issues and does not guarantee that the client will drink enough fluids. Thus, the focus should be on providing accessible fluids during the client's waking hours.