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    Care of Unconscious Patient

    Uploaded by

    Sallie
    This document outlines the care of an unconscious patient. Key aspects of care include maintaining an open airway, proper fluid and nutrition management, regular hygiene and skin care to prevent pressure ulcers, and promoting normal elimination. Unconsciousness can result from various medical conditions and should be assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale. Family education is also an important part of the patient's care and recovery.

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    Care of Unconscious Patient

    Uploaded by

    Sallie
    244 views7 pages
    This document outlines the care of an unconscious patient. Key aspects of care include maintaining an open airway, proper fluid and nutrition management, regular hygiene and skin care to prevent pressure ulcers, and promoting normal elimination. Unconsciousness can result from various medical conditions and should be assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale. Family education is also an important part of the patient's care and recovery.

    Original Description:

    Nursing foundation

    Original Title

    CARE OF UNCONSCIOUS PATIENT

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    This document outlines the care of an unconscious patient. Key aspects of care include maintaining an open airway, proper fluid and nutrition management, regular hygiene and skin care to prevent pressure ulcers, and promoting normal elimination. Unconsciousness can result from various medical conditions and should be assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale. Family education is also an important part of the patient's care and recovery.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    244 views7 pages

    Care of Unconscious Patient

    Uploaded by

    Sallie
    This document outlines the care of an unconscious patient. Key aspects of care include maintaining an open airway, proper fluid and nutrition management, regular hygiene and skin care to prevent pressure ulcers, and promoting normal elimination. Unconsciousness can result from various medical conditions and should be assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale. Family education is also an important part of the patient's care and recovery.

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    CARE OF UNCONSCIOUS PATIENT

    Unconsciousness is a condition in which there is depression of

    cerebral function ranging from stupor to coma.

    Coma may be defined as no eye opening on stimulation, absence of

    comprehensible speech, a failure to obey commands.

    Unconsciousness is a lack of awareness of one' s environment and

    the inability to respond to external stimuli.

    Therefore, observe the patient's condition and prevent any

    complications.

    Causes:

    1. Head injuries
    2. Meningitis

    3. Encephalitis

    4. Diabetes mellitus

    5. Renal failure

    6. Poisoning (drugs, chemicals or other harmful substances)

    7. Asphyxia

    8. Epilepsy.

    Diagnosis:

     Asses the patient' s level of consciousness by Glasgow coma

    scale.
    Nursing Management:

    a. Maintenance of effective airway:


     An adequate airway must be maintained at all times.

     It must be necessary to hold the patients jaw forward or place

    the patient in the lateral position to prevent the tongue

    obstructing airway by falling back.

     Loosen the garments to allow free movements of the chest and

    abdomen.

     Frequent suction is required to prevent the pooling of secretion

    in the patient’s pharynx.

     If necessary, insert oral airway for easy breathing.

    b. Maintenance of fluid & electrolyte balance and nutrition:

     The diet must contain an adequate supply of all nutrients

    required for life. Nutrition may be supplied by intravenous fluids

    or gastric tube feeding.


     Administer prescribed intravenous fluids with Electrolytes and

    vitamins.

     Monitor Intake and output chart accurately and record.

     Monitor vital signs and record.

    Maintenance of personal hygiene and care of pressure areas

    including prevention of foot drop:

     Sponging is performed as frequently as necessary.

     Keep the skin dry, clean and free of moisture to prevent bed

    sore. Ensure back care every 4th hourly and 2nd hourly position

    change to relieve pressure on pressure areas.

     Clip the nails.

     Range of motion exercises at least 4 times daily.

     Cleanse the mouth with the prescribed solution every 2nd hourly

    and apply emollients to prevent parotitis.


     Irrigate the eye with sterile prescribed solution to remove

    discharge and debris.

     Clean the ear with swab and dry carefully especially behind the

    ears.

     The bed linen must be kept wrinkle free and dry.

     Side railings on both sides are helpful to protect the patient.

     The feet should be kept at right ankles to the legs with a help of

    pillow or sand bags to prevent foot drop.

    Promoting elimination

     If any sign of urinary incontinency retention and constipation is

    observed, report to the physician.

     If the patient has incontinence of urine - provide bedpans or

    catheterization can be done according to Doctor' s order to record

    the accurate output.


     If the patient has retention of urine, apply gentle pressure over

    the bladder region. It will help in partially emptying the bladder.

     If the patient is constipated, a glycerine suppository or enema is

    advised according to doctor' s prescription.

     Perineal care, vulva toileting/care, catheter care to be provided.

     Palpate the abdomen for distension

     Auscultate for bowel sounds.

    Family education:

     Develop an interpersonal relationship with the family.

     Provide frequent update information on patient condition.

     Involve the relatives in routine care.

     Provide comfortable physical environment.

     Teach family to report any unusual symptoms.

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