Acute Mental Status Changes and Over-the-Counter Medications in Older Adults

A 78-year-old female was brought to the emergency department due to altered mental status (AMS) by her son who noted an acute change. Her AMS was deemed likely secondary to hypercalcemia and digoxin toxicity precipitated by Tums overconsumption for abdominal pain. After clinical improvement, the patient shared that she took the Tums rather than ask her family for a ride to the doctor. This case highlights the importance of caregiver burden, geriatric syndromes, and the important role of consultants to help arrange safe discharge.