Care of Unconscious Patients PDF

Care of unconscious patients Unconsciousness Unconsciousness is a state in which a living individual exhibits a complete, or near-complete, inability to maintain an awareness of self and environment or to respond to any human or environmental stimulus. Levels of impaired consciousness Confusion Co...

Care of unconscious patients Unconsciousness Unconsciousness is a state in which a living individual exhibits a complete, or near-complete, inability to maintain an awareness of self and environment or to respond to any human or environmental stimulus. Levels of impaired consciousness Confusion Confusion is marked by the absence of clear thinking and may result in poor decision- making. Disorientation Disorientation is the inability to understand how to relate to people, places, objects, and time. Delirium Delirium is a mental state in which a person becomes confused, disoriented, and not able to think or remember clearly Levels of impaired consciousness Lethargy Lethargy is a state of decreased consciousness that resembles drowsiness. Stupor Stupor is a deeper level of impaired consciousness in which it’s very difficult to respond to any stimuli, except for pain. Coma Coma is the deepest level of impaired consciousness. In a coma, a person can’t respond to any stimulus, not even pain.  Causes of unconsciousness Common causes of unconsciousness drugs alcohol substance abuse certain medications epilepsy low blood sugar stroke lack of oxygen to the brain Causes of unconsciousness Other underlying causes of unconsciousness include: cerebral hemorrhage dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease head trauma brain tumor heart disease Causes of unconsciousness heat stroke liver disease uremia, or end-stage kidney failure shock Management of unconscious patients The care plan involves: Maintaining patient’s airway Protecting the patient from falling off the bed Maintaining fluid balance and managing nutritional needs Maintaining skin integrity Turning patient every two hours Preventing urinary retention Incontinence care  Management of unconscious patients Providing sensory stimulation Identifying potential complications (Respiratory Distress, Pneumonia, Bed Sores, etc.) Medication Management Specialized diet management – NG Tube, etc Support To Family Physiotherapy Assessing Progress Inform and explain procedure to patient always because they can hear you