A 94-Year-Old Woman Is Admitted To Your Hospital With Dehydr

A 94 Year Old Woman Is Admitted To Your Hospital With Dehydration T

A 94-year-old woman presents to the hospital exhibiting signs of dehydration, trouble breathing, possible kidney failure, multiple bruises, and inability to communicate verbally. Her caregiver reports a blood disorder that reduces clotting as the cause of her bruises. Given her advanced Alzheimer’s disease, weight of approximately 95 pounds, and clinical presentation, several concerns arise including her medical condition, potential causes for her injuries, and ethical considerations surrounding her care and safety.

Investigation and Ethical Actions in the Care of the Patient

Careful and comprehensive investigation is essential to understand the patient’s medical and social situation properly. A multidisciplinary approach involving assessments by physicians, nurses, social workers, and, when appropriate, a forensic specialist should be undertaken. Initial investigations should include laboratory tests such as complete blood count (CBC), coagulation profile (including INR and aPTT), metabolic panel, kidney function tests, and serum electrolytes to evaluate dehydration severity and renal status. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or ultrasound, may help identify fractures or internal injuries, especially considering the bruises and possible trauma.

In addition to medical investigations, a detailed review of her medication history, including anticoagulants or blood thinners, needs to be conducted, as these may influence her bleeding tendency. An assessment of her hydration status and kidney function will inform treatment decisions, including fluid management and possible dialysis if renal failure is confirmed.

Moreover, a thorough social and forensic evaluation is critical, given her advanced Alzheimer’s and unexplained bruising. It is essential to determine whether the injuries are consistent with accidental trauma or if there is concern about abuse or neglect. Healthcare professionals should collaborate with social services and possibly law enforcement if abuse is suspected. Clear documentation of all findings, observations, and interventions is essential to uphold transparency and accountability.

Ethical Principles and Actions

Ethically, healthcare providers are bound by principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice. For a patient unable to communicate, respecting her dignity involves ensuring her safety and well-being while protecting her from potential harm, including abuse or neglect. In cases of suspected abuse, mandatory reporting laws require healthcare providers to notify relevant authorities to investigate further. This step aligns with the ethical obligation to prevent harm (non-maleficence) and protect vulnerable individuals.

Furthermore, informed consent must be respected when possible. For her treatment, decisions should be made in her best interest, considering her known wishes, if documented, and her current condition. Consulting with her legal representative or surrogate decision-maker is important if her capacity to participate in decision-making is compromised due to her Alzheimer’s. Care plans should prioritize stabilization of her medical condition, addressing dehydration and renal failure, while ensuring her safety from potential trauma or abuse.

Continuous reassessment of her physical and psychological state is necessary to adapt her care plan. Avoiding further harm, preventing dehydration, and restoring her comfort and dignity are central to ethical caregiving. Education of the caregiving team about her specific needs and vulnerabilities ensures that care remains patient-centered and ethically sound.

Conclusion

In summary, the management of this elderly patient involves a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate her medical condition thoroughly and ethically. Investigations should focus on resolving her dehydration, renal failure, and assessing her injuries to determine if abuse may be involved. Ethical principles guide actions to protect her from harm, respect her dignity, and ensure her best interests are prioritized throughout her care. Ultimately, safeguarding vulnerable adults requires diligence, compassion, and adherence to legal and ethical standards to promote her health, safety, and well-being.

References

• American Geriatrics Society. (2019). Clinician’s Guide to Evidence-Based Care of Adults with Frailty. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 67(2), 249-357.
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Gardiner, R. A., & McGrath, C. (2021). Elder Abuse: Recognition and Reporting. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 33(2), 135-152.
• Guidelines for the Ethical Treatment of Vulnerable Patients. (2020). World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki. JAMA, 324(16), 1617-1620.
• National Institute on Aging. (2017). Recognizing Elder Abuse. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/elder-abuse
• Office for Civil Rights (OCR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2016). Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Abuse. https://www.hhs.gov
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• Reed, D., & Silverman, D. (2022). Ethical Issues in Geriatric Care. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 38(1), 101-115.
• Seitz, D. P., et al. (2018). Management of Elder Abuse and Neglect. The New England Journal of Medicine, 379(11), 1065-1074.
• World Health Organization. (2018). Elder Abuse: A Global Challenge. Geneva: WHO.