Mom (83) in hospital for UTI...getting worse and now altered mental state. Why don't they sedate her if she needs sleep? Help!

Hi earlygirl-
As I'm reading this thread it sounds like things are getting resolved(?). I'm so relieved for you!
My mom is admitted for UTI's maybe 2 or 3 times a year. She has the same experiences as your mom - notably the confusion and disorientation - even with normal lab results. As other posters have stated, much of that can be attributed to the hospital surroundings.

One problem that we have every time that you might take notice of - I swear it is on repeat - is poor management of her medications. I've learned that I MUST have a list with me at all times of all meds she has been taking before admittance. I ask for a staff member to go over the list with me (I mean, I'm nice about it), and they are agreeable. There is always at least one med that was mistakenly overlooked. Not going to watch mom suffer through withdrawal again.

I also ask to be informed of any additional meds ordered for her during her stay by the hospitalist. Anti-psychotics are commonly prescribed for relaxation or sleep. Mom does not do well on this med. The unwelcome mood or behavioral changes always improve when the med is discontinued.

I hope things continue to improve for your mom, and a big hug for you! (BIG HUG)

Thank you! The patient advocate has been a great help!

dear early,

hug! i hope the your mother's health improves very soon!!
these crises are sooo stressful, worrisome.

1 useful thing:
make her drink a lot of water.

with any infection, water is needed. wash out the infection as much as you can.

many older people don't drink enough.
they must be forced/encouraged to drink every X hours.
while in hospital, and also outside hospital.

water, also when there's no infection.
being hydrated (and of course hygienic) can help prevent infection.

also, sometimes doctors prescribe general antibiotics, because there's no time to discover exactly which bacteria is causing the infection.
it's best, if possible, to get urine culture, to see exactly which bacteria is involved.

urine sample. urine analysis.
then correct, specific antibiotics.
maybe a urologist.

as we know - if possible, hospitals should be avoided (especially for older people; many diseases can be caught in hospital, etc. you enter for 1 problem, and come out with 10 new problems).
----of course sometimes hospitals are absolutely necessary.

i hope your mother is better very soon!!!
hug!!!

Firstly, as an RN I can ASSURE you that elders have a terrible time with hospitalization. Their mentation deteriorates, sometimes dramatically.
I am quite concerned they are not treating the hyponatremia. Normal is 135-145. I don't know what they are attributing the low sodium to.
Is she on IV antibiotics and are they planning to recheck the C&S on the urine to make certain she is testing clear?
Generally elders improve once returned to their environment, but changes can be dramatic. And some could be attributed to her low sodium levels.
As to sedation, that is often more trouble still. Now you have an elder stumbling about an environment not familiar, often leading to broken bones. You also cannot do any testing for the mentation changes nor know what is happening to the patient when they are too sedated.
I sure wish you luck.

I have had first-hand experience with altered mental status due to UTI in my parent, who I live with and take care of. This is a tough situation, and full recovery may seem to come and go. To add insult to injury, being in a care center sometimes adds to the mental stress of the patient. The reason your parent's doctor did not prescribe more meds may be because they might make her more sedated (groggy). I know that recovery from altered mental status can be different changes: up, then down, etc. Try to spend as much time with your loved one, and be aware of changes and let the medical staff know what you observe. This can be really helpful to them, and they may be able to advise you more about your parent's condition that your are not aware of. You are an important part of the recovery process. Even if your parent just dozes off when you are there, then wakes up to see you, a friendly and loving person who can be comforting and loving, that is so important! Hang in there. I wish you and your parent the best.

Well, sodium of 125 is considered hyponatremia, which you can read about here:

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-hyponatremia

Some of the symptoms your mother is having can be attributed to the low sodium, but it's also common to have what's know as 'hospital delirium' when an elder goes into the hospital or from the hospital to rehab. I saw it with my mother and it was mind bending to witness.

I myself would be concerned with the low sodium levels and the doctor's plan to treat it. One treatment is an IV infusion with a sodium solution to slowly raise levels in the blood over a few day period of time. I would think the blood tests would indicate kidney issues if they do exist.

Why not call her doctor and get some answers that make you feel more assured that she's on the road to recovery rather than back to the hospital! Ask if her sodium levels are low enough to warrant treatment or not. And express your concern over her state of mind, although like I said, the 'delirium' part of this is not at all unusual for elders who have been sick & hospitalized. I even saw it with my father; he was Sundowning something fierce during and after his hospital stay and during rehab. Totally out of sorts, but my mother was worse, seeing mice running on the floor & everything.

The other question to ask is what medications (new) is she taking that could be contributing to her condition, if any? I don't think sedation is the normal treatment for elders who need to rest.............sedation can cause falls and a whole new set of issues for the aged.

Wishing you the best of luck trying to get to the bottom of what's happening.