Promoting and maintaining healthy hydration in patients.

Fluid is essential for life and health. Nurses have an important role in helping patients maintain optimal levels of hydration, particularly in hospital or residential settings where access to fluid is less likely to be under the patient's control. This article describes the benefits of healthy hydration, outlines guidelines on fluid requirements for different patient groups and discusses which beverages should be promoted. Myths about caffeine consumption and hydration will also be addressed using new clinical evidence.