Care of Unconsciousness Patient
Loss of Consciousness is apparent in patient who is not oriented, does not follow commands, or needs persistent stimuli to achieve a state of alertness. A person who is unconscious and unable to respond to the spoken words can often hear what is spoken.
Consciousness is a state of being wakeful and aware of self, environment and time
Unconsciousness is an abnormal state resulting from disturbance of sensory perception to the extent that the patient is not aware of what is happening around him.
Levels of Unconsciousness
1. Alert :
- Normal consciousness
2. Automatism :
Aware of surroundings
May be unable to remember actions later
Possible abnormal mood, may show defects of memory and judgement
3. Confusion :
Loss of ability to speak and think in a logical coherent fashion
Responds to simple orders
May be disorientated for time and space
4. Delirium/Acute confusion with agitation :
Characterised by restlessness and possible violence
Not capable to rational thought
May be troublesome and not comply with simple orders
5. Stupor :
Quite and uncommunicative
Remains conscious but sits or lies with a glazed expression
Does not respond to orders
Bladder and rectal incontinence occur
More serious than the previous wild stage
6. Semi-coma :
A twilight stage
Patients often pass fitfully into unconsciousness
May be aroused to the stuporosed state by vigorous stimulation
7. Coma :
Patient deeply unconscious
Can not be roused and does not wake up with vigorous stimulation
Causes of Unconsciousness :
Head Injury
Skull Fracture
Asphyxia
Fainting
Extremes of Body Temperature
Cardiac Arrest
Blood Loss
Cerebro vascular Accident
Epilepsy
Infantile Convulsions
Hypoglycemia
Hyperglycemia
Drug Overdose
Hypothermia
Poisonous Substances and Fumes
Assessment of unconscious patients:
History
Physical assessment
Glasgow coma scale
Eye opening
spontaneous -4
to speech -3
to pain -2
no response -1
Verbal response
oriented -5
confused -4
inappropriate words -3
incomprehensible sounds-2
no response -1
Motor response
Obeys commands -6
Localizes -5
Withdraws -4
Flexes -3
Extends -2
No response -1
TOTAL SCORE: 3-15
Assessment of LOC
Evaluation of mental status.
Cranial nerve functioning.
Reflexes.
Motor and sensory functioning.
Scanning, imaging, tomography, EEG.
Glasgow coma scale.
Nursing Diagnosis
Ineffective airway clearance related to altered level of consciousness
Risk for injury related to decreased level of consciousness.
Risk for impaired skin integrity related to immobility
Impaired urinary elimination related to impairment in sensing and control.
Disturbed sensory perception related to neurologic impairment.
Interrupted family process related to health crisis.
Risk for impaired nutritional status.
Management
1. Maintaining patent airway
Elevating the head end of the bed to 30 degree prevents aspiration.
Positioning the patient in lateral or semi prone position.
Suctioning.
Chest physiotherapy.
Auscultate in every 8 hours.
Endo tracheal tube or tracheostomy.
2. Protecting the client
Padded side rails
Restrains.
Take care to avoid any injury.
Talk with the client in-between the procedures.
Speak positively to enhance the self esteem and confidence of the patient.
3.Maintaining fluid balance and managing nutritional needs
Assess the hydration status.
More amount of liquid.
Start IV line.
Liquid diet.
NG tube.
4.Maintaining skin integrity
Regular changing in position.
Passive exercises.
Back massage.
Use splints or foam boots to prevent foot drop.
Special beds to prevent pressure on bony prominences.
5.Preventing urinary retention
Palpate for a full bladder.
Insert an indwelling catheter.
Condom catheter for male and absorbent pads for females in case of incontinence.
Inducing stimulation to urinate.
6. Providing sensory stimulation
Provided at proper time to avoid sensory deprivation.
Effort are made to maintain the sense of daily rhythm by keeping the usual day and night patterns for activity and sleep.
Maintain the same schedule each day.
Orient the client to the day, date, and time accordingly.
Touch and talk.
Proper communication.
Always address the client by name, and explain the procedure each time.
7. Family needs
Family support.
Educate the needs of client.
Care to be provided.
8. Potential complications
Respiratory distress
Pneumonia
Aspiration
Pressure ulcer