Question

an elderly patient has just been admitted into the ER with symptoms of confusion, muscle tremors, and red swollen tongue. when taking his history, it is revealed he had been discharged from the hospital 2 days ago. he has been on IV therapy for a stomach virus but could not keep down fluids after he was discharged

IV) An elderly Patient has just been admitted into the Emergency Room with symptoms revealed he had been discharged from the hospital 2 days ago. He has been on IV therapy for a stomach virus but could not keep down fluids after he was discharged. of confusion, muscle tremors, and a red, swollen tongue. When taking his history, it is a) What electrolyte imbalance do you suspect for this Patient? b) What other signs and symptoms might you need to assess for? this Patient?

Answer 1

a. The electrolyte imbalance suspected for this patient is Hypernatremia .

b. Other signs and symptoms that has to be assessed are :-

Cardiovascular :

- Tachycardia

- Hypertension

- Decreased cardiac contractility

Integumentary :

- Dry sticky mucous membrane

- Rough swollen red tongue

- Flushed skin

Renal :

- Thirst

- Increased urine output

Neuromuscular :

- Twitching

- Tremors

- Seizures

- Hyperreflexia

- Coma

- Agitation

- CNS irritability

c. The treatment that would be appropriate for this patient include :-

- Restore intravascular volume

- Determine time for correction on the basis of initial sodium concentration

- Administer fluid at constant rate over time for correction

- Follow serum sodium concentration

- Replace ongoing losses as they occur by Normal Saline.