AboutMargot RN BScN GNC Expertise GERONTOLOGY (NURSING ISSUES RELATED TO THE ELDERY) I have 15+ years experience working with the elderly. I would be pleased to offer any assistance I can. My areas of expertise include: Gerontology / Geriatrics, Long Term Care, Community Nursing, Palliative Care, Private Nursing Services, Intermediate / Extended Care. I also have a personal interest in Homeopathic and Eastern Medicine. If I can not answer your question I`ll do my best to direct you to an appropriate resource. Thank you.
Experience I have fifteen years experience in Gerontological Nursing both in the community, and in Long Term Care. I have worked as a General Duty Nurse, a Nurse Manager, and a Nursing Consultant in Long Term Care and Community Nursing.I have a great deal of experience working with, assessing, and educating in the field of Gerontology (Nursing the Elderly). I am familiar with the challenges associated with Dementia (Alzheimer's), Chronic and Terminal illnesses. Experience in the area 20 years of Long Term Care and Community Nursing, specialising in Geriatrics, Gerontology and PalliativeCare.
Education/Credentials Registered Nurse , Certified Gerontological Nurse, Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Question Hello ,My father is 84yrs old,he's in hospital at the moment. He went in with pneumonia,aspiration pneumonia.Today his tummy got pegged as his ability to swallow has failed due to Parkinsons and Mini Strokes. We are hoping to get him home as soon as he gets stronger. My main worry is that his lungs need to get suctioned everyday by physiotherapists and I was wondering will we ever get him home if his lungs continue to fill with fluid?
Answer Hi Rachael and thanks for writing,
That is a very good question which you really should discuss with his physician so you know what you'll be facing.
I'm guessing that the fluid on the lungs is mostly due to the current pneumonia which should clear up significantly with treatment (draining and antibiotics). Your Dad may also have some Congestive Heart Failure which can produce extra fluid in the body which accumulates in the lungs and extremities; this too can usually be successfully treated with medications.
I don't want to list a bunch of possible causes so i suggest you sit down with the physician and ask what the prognosis is (what do they expect to be able to treat during his stay in hospital) and what care they expect he will require once he's home.
