Nursing Care Of Unconscious Patient.

Nursing Care of unconscious patient requires meticulous attention and a systematic approach to ensure their well-being. Here are some essential steps and considerations for nursing care of an unconscious patient:

 1. Airway Management.

 •  Positioning :  Ensure the patient is lying on their side (recovery position) to prevent aspiration of saliva or vomit.
•  Suctioning :  Regularly suction the mouth and airway to clear secretions.
•  Oxygenation :  Administer oxygen as prescribed, and monitor oxygen saturation levels.

2. Breathing and Circulation.

•  Vital Signs Monitoring  :   Regularly monitor and record the patient’s respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature.
•  Chest Physiotherapy  :  If required, perform chest physiotherapy to help clear secretions from the lungs.
•  Intravenous Access  :   Maintain IV lines for fluids, medications, and nutrition as necessary.

3.   Nutrition and Hydration.

•  Feeding Tubes  :   If the patient is unable to swallow, a nasogastric tube (NGT) or gastrostomy tube might be used for feeding.
•  Hydration  :   Ensure adequate fluid intake through IV or feeding tubes.
•  Nutritional Monitoring  :  Regularly assess the patient’s nutritional status and adjust feeding plans accordingly.

4.   Skin Care.

•  Pressure Ulcer Prevention :   Turn and reposition the patient every 2 hours to prevent pressure ulcers. Use specialized mattresses or cushions.
•  Skin Inspection:   Regularly inspect the skin for signs of pressure sores, especially on bony prominences.
•  Hygiene:   Keep the skin clean and dry, and provide daily baths or sponge baths.

5.   Bowel and Bladder Care.

•  Catheterization:   If necessary, use a catheter to manage urine output, and monitor for signs of infection.
•  Bowel Management:   Monitor bowel movements and provide enemas or laxatives if needed to prevent constipation.

6.  Infection Prevention.

•  Hand Hygiene:   Maintain strict hand hygiene before and after patient contact.
•  Wound Care:   If the patient has any wounds, ensure they are properly cleaned and dressed according to protocol.
•  Isolation:   If the patient has a contagious infection, use appropriate isolation precautions.

7.   Neurological Assessment.

•  Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS):   Regularly assess the patient’s level of consciousness using the GCS.
•  Pupil Response:   Check the pupils for size, equality, and reaction to light.
•  Limb Movement:   Passively move the limbs to prevent contractures and to assess any spontaneous movements.

8.   Psychological and Emotional Care.

•  Communication:   Speak to the patient as though they can hear you, explaining all procedures and care being provided.
•  Comfort:   Provide comfort measures, such as adjusting the bed, temperature, and environment to promote relaxation.

9.  Family Involvement.

•  Education:   Educate the family about the care process and involve them in the patient’s care when appropriate.
•  Support:   Provide emotional support to the family and encourage them to talk to the patient.

10.   Documentation.

•  Record Keeping:   Document all care provided, including vital signs, medications administered, and any changes in the patient’s condition.

11.   Emergency Preparedness.

•  Resuscitation Equipment:   Ensure that resuscitation equipment (e.g., defibrillator, airway supplies) is readily available.
•  Emergency Plan:   Be familiar with the patient’s advance directives and the hospital’s emergency protocols.

Each step in caring for an unconscious patient is critical to prevent complications and promote recovery. Coordination with a multidisciplinary team is essential to provide holistic care.