Medical thoughts on Grandpa

[nursewife]

From my experience, often pneumonia is diagnosed through a chest X-ray. I'd push for that. Was his urine sent for culturing? Often urine cap dip fine on a test strip, but come back with growth. I'd push for him to be assessed by a doctor

[CheshireGrin]

A fever of unknown origin in someone of his age and physical condition can progress to sepsis very quickly, with fatal consequences. He needs to be evaluated in a hospital. They should be doing a chest xray, urine culture, and blood cultures at the very least.

[CheshireGrin]

If he still has his gallbladder, make sure they check that too. It's an often missed cause of fevers in the elderly, even in the absence of abdominal pain.

[caddywompus]

Oct 2, 2013 10:30:10 GMT -5 CheshireGrin said:

A fever of unknown origin in someone of his age and physical condition can progress to sepsis very quickly, with fatal consequences. He needs to be evaluated in a hospital. They should be doing a chest xray, urine culture, and blood cultures at the very least.

I second this- take him to the ER for evaluation, and insist on lab work.
I see many elderly patients who don't have an obvious "illness", but then they deteriorate quite rapidly.
How is his mental status?  UTI's can often cause pt's to get confused, and sleepy, and not eat as well.  Is he able to tell you if he's in pain?

[nursewife]

Oct 2, 2013 12:50:39 GMT -5 @astrid said:

He's had strokes that decimated his pain receptors. He doesn't feel much pain. My mom and SIL are taking him to the ER now. Think good thoughts for my Grandpa.

Any update?