Unconscious Patient Care Quiz and Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How can unconsciousness be defined?

A state of hyperactivity

A state of partial consciousness

A state of awareness

A state of complete unconsciousness (correct)

Which of the following are common causes of unconsciousness? (Select all that apply)

Diabetic Hypoglycemic Attacks (correct)

Alcoholism (correct)

Dehydration

Stroke (correct)

What is the term for a state of partial consciousness?

Stupor

Coma Vigil is a state where the patient's eyes are wide open.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Glasgow Coma Scale?

to assess patients in coma Signup and view all the answers

According to Virginia Henderson, how does she define a nurse?

temporarily the consciousness of the unconscious, the love of life for the suicidal, the leg of the amputee, the eyes of the newly blind, a means of locomotion for the infant, knowledge and confidence for the young mother, the 'mouthpiece' for those too weak or withdrawn to speak Signup and view all the answers

What are common causes of unconsciousness?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Coma is a state of complete consciousness.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the state of partial consciousness where the patient is not capable of answering simple questions?

Stupor Signup and view all the answers

Match the following care requirements to the unconscious patient:

Bath trolley = Assisting with hygiene and care tasks Mouth care tray = Ensuring oral hygiene Oxygen cylinder with its apparatus = Providing respiratory support Sphygmomanometer and stethoscope = Monitoring vital signs Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Defining Unconsciousness

Unconsciousness can be defined as a state of being unaware of one's surroundings and unable to respond to stimuli.

Causes of Unconsciousness

Common causes of unconsciousness include:
- Trauma
- Infection
- Poisoning
- Stroke
- Head injury
- Hypoxia
- Metabolic disorders

States of Consciousness

Coma is a state of complete unconsciousness, not complete consciousness.
The term for a state of partial consciousness is stupor.
In a stupor, the patient is not capable of answering simple questions.
Coma Vigil is a state where the patient's eyes are wide open, but they are still unconscious.

Glasgow Coma Scale

The purpose of the Glasgow Coma Scale is to assess the degree of consciousness in a patient.

The Role of a Nurse

According to Virginia Henderson, a nurse is defined as someone who helps individuals, sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery (or to a peaceful death) that they would perform unaided if they had the necessary strength, will, or knowledge.

Care Requirements for Unconscious Patients

Unconscious patients require careful monitoring and management to prevent complications, such as:
- Respiratory failure
- Cardiovascular instability
- Infections
- Pressure sores
- Dehydration and malnutrition