What is the role of a nurse in caring an unconscious patient?

nurse play and important role in the care of unconscious (comtosed) patient to prevent potential complications respiratory eg;distress, pneumonia,aspiration,pressure ulcer.this achived by:

  1. Maintaining patent airway

• Elevating the head end of the bed to degree prevents aspiration.
• Positioning the patient in lateral or semi prone position.
• Suctioning.
• Chest physiotherapy.
• Auscultate in every8 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. mantaing the regular doses of treatment and follow consultant instruction

1 Maintain patent airway 2 Maintain fluid elctrolyte balance 3 Maintain skin integrity 4 Maintain hygiene 5 Prevent urinary retension 6 provide emotional and psychological support to the patient 7 provide sensory stimulation