Care of Unconscious Patient

CARE OF UNCONSCIOUS
PATIENT
UNCONSCIOUS PATIENT
• An unconscious patient is someone who is not aware of their surroundings, cannot communicate,
and is unable to respond to stimuli.
• It can be a very scary situation for both the patient and their loved ones.
• However, with the right care and support, an unconscious patient can recover and return to their
normal life.
CAUSES OF UNCONSCIOUSNESS
• Unconsciousness can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

 Traumatic brain injury
 Stroke
 Seizures
 Infections
 Toxins or poisons
 Heart attack or cardiac arrest
CARE PLAN FOR AN UNCONSCIOUS PATIENT
• The care plan for an unconscious patient may vary depending on the patient’s underlying
condition and the healthcare provider’s instructions.
• It is important to follow an individualized plan of care for each patient.
ASSESSMENT OF UNCONSCIOUS PATIENT
• Assessing an unconscious patient can be a challenging

• However, a thorough assessment is critical to identify any changes in the patient’s condition,
monitor vital signs, and identify potential complications.
KEY AREAS TO FOCUS ON WHEN
ASSESSING AN UNCONSCIOUS PATIENT:
• Airway:
 Assess the patient’s airway for any signs of obstruction or compromise.
 This may involve monitoring the patient’s breathing rate, assessing for the presence of stridor or
wheezing, and monitoring for any signs of respiratory distress.
• Breathing:
 Assess the patient’s breathing pattern and respiratory effort.
 This may involve monitoring the patient’s respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth, as well as assessing for
any signs of apnea, hypoventilation, or hyperventilation.
• Circulation:
 Assess the patient’s cardiovascular system, including blood pressure, heart rate, and rhythm.
 This may involve monitoring for any signs of hypotension or hypertension, tachycardia or bradycardia,
and irregular heart rhythms.
• Neurological status:
 Assess the patient’s level of consciousness using a tool such as the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) or
other appropriate tools.
 This may involve assessing the patient’s response to verbal and physical stimuli, as well as monitoring
for any signs of changes in mental status.
• Skin:
 Assess the patient’s skin for any signs of pressure ulcers, skin breakdown, or other skin conditions.
 This may involve assessing the patient’s skin color, temperature, and moisture level, as well as
monitoring for any signs of skin irritation or breakdown.
• Hydration and Nutrition:

 Assess the patient’s hydration status and nutritional needs.
 This may involve monitoring the patient’s intake and output, as well as assessing for any signs of
dehydration or malnutrition.
• Urinary and bowel function:
 Assess the patient’s urinary and bowel function, including monitoring for any signs of urinary retention, urinary
incontinence, constipation or diarrhea.
• Emotional support:
 Also assess the patient’s emotional well-being and provide support and reassurance to the patient and their family
members.
Assessing an unconscious patient requires a thorough and systematic approach that addresses all aspects of the
patient’s condition.
By focusing on these key areas, we can identify any changes in the patient’s condition, monitor vital signs, and provide
appropriate interventions to promote the patient’s recovery.
DIAGNOSES FOR AN UNCONSCIOUS
PATIENT
Some possible diagnoses for an unconscious patient:
• Risk for aspiration related to a decreased level of consciousness and impaired cough reflex.
• Risk for impaired skin integrity related to immobility and prolonged pressure.
• Risk for ineffective cerebral tissue perfusion related to altered level of consciousness and decreased cerebral blood flow.
• Impaired gas exchange is related to a decreased level of consciousness and ineffective cough.
• Risk for infection related to invasive devices and impaired immune response.
• Risk for injury related to a decreased level of consciousness and environmental hazards.
• Impaired urinary elimination is related to a decreased level of consciousness and urinary retention.
• Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to decreased oral intake and impaired swallowing.
• Anxiety related to altered level of consciousness and unfamiliar environment.
PLANNING:
• Maintain a patent airway and prevent aspiration by elevating the head of the bed, suctioning
secretions, and providing oral care.
• Promote skin integrity by repositioning the patient every 2 hours, using pressure-relieving
devices, and providing skin care.
• Monitor the patient’s cerebral perfusion by maintaining a stable head position, monitoring blood
pressure, and providing adequate oxygenation.
• Provide oral care to prevent dry mouth, mucosal irritation, and infection.
INTERVENTIONS:
• Position the patient correctly to maintain a patent airway and prevent aspiration.
• Suction secretions and provide oral care every 2 hours.
• Reposition the patient every 2 hours to prevent pressure ulcers.
• Use pressure-relieving devices as indicated.
• Monitor blood pressure and provide oxygenation as needed.
• Provide adequate hydration and nutrition, including enteral or parenteral feeding as needed.
• Provide emotional support to the patient and their family.
• The care plan for an unconscious patient may vary depending on the patient’s underlying
condition and the healthcare provider’s instructions.
• It is important to follow an individualized plan of care for each patient.
Thank You

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CARE OF UNCONSCIOUS

• Unconsciousness can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Assessing an unconscious patient can be a challenging

• Hydration and Nutrition:

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