
Can Low Blood Sodium Levels Cause Unconsciousness?

My mother is 87 yrs old. She has the fracture of the right clavicle in 2 places. I am a retired nurse. My specialty was Neonatal Intensive Care. I spoke with one of her nurses and she is getting Tylenol for pain. I asked the nurse if she could get something stronger just in case. The nurse that they have to be careful with pain medicine an the elderly. I know how important pain management is. My mother was in agony when I called her Monday and Tuesday. I asked the nurse to ask the doctor if she could have something stronger. The doctor has not called me yet. My mother gave permission for both my sister and I to speak with the doctor. The nurse said she would facilitate that.
SIADH diagnosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I can understand your concern regarding to your mother's situation.
From your description there are three factors that make me think about SIADH (syndrom of inappropriate ADH secretion) diagnosis;
- Post traumatic situation
-Low natrium level
-Treatment with water restriction.
Usually SIADH is a result of a trauma and the cause of the pass out. The inappropriate secrection of ADH causes retention of fluids and low natrium level as a consequence, that is why in this situation fluid restriction is recommended not giving iv fluids. Probably low glucose level made her to pass out.
To decide for the definite treatment of SIADH urine osmolarity is needed to.
Regarding to the pain treatment i think she is under morphine that is given by epidural catheter and the nurses do not know it.
Hope i have answered your queries.
Wish you and your mother good health!
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta


My mother is 87 years old. She has two fractures of right clavicle. She is getting Tylenol for pain in the hospital. My mother was in agony when she moved and when I called her Monday and Tuesday. I asked the nurse if she could have something stronger than Tylenol for the pain. The nurse replied that they have to be very careful with pain medication and elderly patients. I asked the nurse could she please get an order for stronger pain medication just in case it is needed. I don't know if she did that.
I am a retired RN. I know pain management is important. My specialty was Neonatal Intensive care, not adults.
Tylenol is a weak analgesic.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
I think you should talk to her treating physician regarding to the pain treatment.
If she is in agony and does not complain for pain than probably she is under sedatives.
Tylenol would not keep the fracture's pain under control.
Wish her good health,
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

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