Geriatric Pharmacotherapy Case Series: Evaluating Fall Risk in Older Adults with Hyponatremia.

Abstract

Mild psychotropic-induced hyponatremia is well in older adults. Although it is generally asymptomatic and does not require treatment, hyponatremia can increase the risk of falls, especially when combined with chronic conditions typical of frail patients. This clinical presentation adds a layer of complexity when managing pharmacotherapy and reducing fall risk in older adults. Viewing patients through the lens of the 4M framework provided by the John A. Hartford Foundation enables pharmacists to deliver holistic, patient-centered care, by addressing each of the four pillars (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility) and adjusting care goals as patients progress through their lifespan. We present a case of an older adult with multiple comorbidities who recently experienced a fall, illustrating an approach to deprescribing and simplifying the medication regimen without compromising quality of care, while simultaneously improving quality of life.