I am taking care of my dad who is in final stages of chf, he has been breathing heavy but o2 sat has been 93-97.  The past week he has been sleeping almost all day with confusion and seeing people.  Just wondering what this means or if you think he is declining and if so what will happen next.  He is on LASIK but still has pitting edema in legs and feet.  He also has a pacemaker and pulse has run around 62.  We do have hospice checking in on him as well. Thank you
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Since your father is having terminal CHF (congestive heart failure) with pitting edema, possibility of fluid accumulation in the body is high. This can cause delusional hyponatremia (low sodium). Sodium is very important electrolyte for brain equilibrium and function. So hyponatremia is known to cause disorientation, slurred speech, hallucinations, confusion etc. So better to get done serum sodium level and if it is low then give him hyper tonic saline (3%). Once his sodium level is normal, he will improve in confusion and hallucinations. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your father. Thanks.