Dehydration and Infection in the Elderly
Patient Profile
- Name: Mrs. L, 86-year-old female
- Medical History: Hypertension, Arthrosis, Osteoporosis
- Presenting Complaint: confusion, weakness, was found on the floor at home.
Case History
When 86-year-old Mrs. L was brought to our emergency department, her family was worried. She hadn’t been herself—confused, not eating well, and they had just found her on the floor at home. Thankfully, she hadn’t hurt herself badly, but something was clearly wrong.
What did we find?
In the emergency department, we carefully checked her neurological status. While she had no signs of a stroke or any specific weakness, her responses were noticeably slow. A CT scan ruled out any bleeding in the brain, and further examination showed only some minor bruises—no serious injuries.
Blood tests showed signs of inflammation, and a urine test confirmed a urinary tract infection (UTI). An ultrasound and clinical exam also revealed that she was dehydrated.
How was it treated?
With a clear picture of what was going on, we started treatment right away: fluids to rehydrate her and antibiotics for the UTI. Over the next few days, Mrs. L began to improve.
What happened next?
We transferred her to our geriatric department for continued care and support. She stayed with us for three weeks, getting daily physiotherapy, slowly regaining her strength, her appetite, and her usual sharpness.
Before she returned home, we arranged for social support: daily help with medications, assistance with bathing, and help with grocery shopping. Thanks to this care, Mrs. L could return to living safely and with more confidence.