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What Causes Confusion, Irritation And Agitation While Treating COPD?
Question: Hi, my husband who is 77 years old and has COPD went to the ER on 7/1/17 and it was discovered that he needed quadruple bypass surgery, which he had on 7/3/17. He is currently still in the hospital and is on prednisone for his lungs, oxygen and numerous other medications. He has this past Sunday evening the nurse called me and told me they had to put him in restraints because he was confused and combative. They gave him an IV medication to calm him down and he "slept" for two days. He has since been awake and lucid, but last night he had an episode of waking up confused and he pulled out his catheter. What is causing these problems?
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that these mode changes ( confusion, irritatation and agitation) could be related to low oxygen levels ( caused by COPD exacerbation) or a metabolic disorder.
You should know that at his age, his brain is very sensitive to metabolic changes or low oxygen levels and can be easily decompensated, leading to confusion and agitation.
The steroids help improve the COPD situation by reducing the lung tissue inflammation.
Oxygen therapy is also necessary.
Hope to have clarified some of your uncertainties!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that these mode changes ( confusion, irritatation and agitation) could be related to low oxygen levels ( caused by COPD exacerbation) or a metabolic disorder.
You should know that at his age, his brain is very sensitive to metabolic changes or low oxygen levels and can be easily decompensated, leading to confusion and agitation.
The steroids help improve the COPD situation by reducing the lung tissue inflammation.
Oxygen therapy is also necessary.
Hope to have clarified some of your uncertainties!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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