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Coroner's Finding: O'REILLY Raymond John

Deceased

Raymond John O'Reilly

Demographics

91y, male

Date of death

2014-12-20

Finding date

2017-04-19

Cause of death

pneumonia on a background of chronic congestive cardiac failure and chronic obstructive lung disease

AI-generated summary

A 91-year-old man with chronic cardiac failure, COPD and atrial fibrillation presented with confusion, agitation and dyspnoea. Admitted with pneumonia and delirium, he exhibited combative behaviour and resisted oxygen therapy despite dangerously low saturations. A Level 1 Mental Health Act order was placed to enable treatment restraint. He received olanzapine for agitation and antibiotics for pneumonia but did not respond to treatment. He deteriorated with declining GCS and oxygen levels, a DNR order was established, and he died peacefully. The coroner found the Mental Health Act order lawful, appropriate and necessary to facilitate optimal care, and found the medical care provided was adequate.

AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.

Specialties

geriatric medicineemergency medicinepsychiatrycardiologyrespiratory medicine

Drugs involved

olanzapineantibioticsfurosemideprednisolonemacrogolwarfarin

Clinical conditions

pneumoniachronic congestive cardiac failurechronic obstructive pulmonary diseasedeliriumatrial fibrillationpulmonary hypertensionhypertensionacute exacerbation of chronic lung disease

Procedures

CT head

Contributing factors

  • delirium
  • exacerbation of chronic obstructive lung disease
  • cardiac failure
  • combative behaviour and resistance to oxygen therapy
  • dangerously low oxygen saturation levels
  • agitation and confusion
  • advanced age
Full text

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