Where Do Coma Patients Stay Nursing? – Overview
An unconscious individual in a coma cannot respond to anything, and it is impossible to rouse them from their seemingly deep sleep.
A person in a coma is still alive, but they are completely unaware and unreceptive to their surroundings. They have a very low level of activity in their brain.
Seeing a person in a coma, which also goes by the name persistent vegetative state, is one of the most stressful experiences a family member or a loved one can go through.
They cannot move the patient to nurture and nurse them at home in that state. So, where does a coma patient get their nursing care?
What Is The Best Place To Nurse Someone Who Is In A Coma?
Some people who are unconscious or in a coma cannot breathe on their own and require the assistance of a breathing machine that injects air into the lungs through a tube positioned in the throat.
In addition, the hospital staff works to keep comatose patients from developing bedsores.
Bedsores are open-body sores that mostly develop because of remaining in one position for an extended period without any movement.
They accomplish this by rotating the patient as much as possible and by cleaning and sanitizing the sores on their body.
Someone in a coma is usually given all the nursing care they need in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital due to the state they are in and the numerous requirements they need for comfort and healing.
Doctors, nursing staff, and other healthcare workers can provide the individual with additional care and attention while they are in the hospital, which loved ones cannot provide from home.
They ensure that the person receives the necessary fluids, nutrients, and medications to keep the body as comfortable, alive, and healthy as possible.
It is possible to administer these medications through a small plastic tube placed in a blood vessel or a feeding tube, which delivers fluids and essential nutrients straight to the stomach.
How Can Family And Friends Help To Nurse A Person In A Coma?
It is extremely frustrating and even depressing for the family of a person in a coma to watch what is happening to their loved one from the sidelines.
However, they do not have to feel helpless because the person’s recovery may even depend on their interaction.
One of the positive things they can do is make time to pay regular visits, sing the patient’s favorite songs to them, read them a book or stay on to talk and hold their hand.
In most cases, the person in the coma can hear everything going on even though they cannot respond.
According to a study conducted by Northwestern Medicine and Hines VA Hospital, the familiar and friendly voices of loved ones may aid in awakening the unconscious brain and speeding up recovery time.
Another way you can be of assistance is by helping clear the high medical bills. If the patient has an insurance policy, then well and good.
However, ICU costs are immense, with a single day as high as $600. If there is no insurance, you can apply for grants for medical bills.
Nursing after Coma
When the patient finally starts showing signs of coming out of the coma, they will still need to see familiar people.
It will take some time for them to comprehend everything going on, as many come out confused. However, it does not take many long to get back to their old selves.
It is not surprising to see some patients waking up from a coma the same as before the coma.
They can recall what transpired and can even perform all of the activities they were previously competent to accomplish.
Others may require treatment or therapy to re-learn even the most basic activities such as eating, walking, tying shoelaces, communicating, or remembering certain information.
Final Thoughts
Being in a coma is a stressful experience for everyone involved: the patient, the caregiver, and the family.
The patients require specialized care, which they can receive effectively in a hospital setting.
Once they begin to show signs of recovery, they will be able to continue to recover fully, either at home or in a special facility equipped with all of the amenities they require.
Many people who have been in a coma can make significant progress over time with the assistance of therapists, family, healthcare professionals, and friends.
They might not be able to function the same way as they did before the coma, but they will be able to participate in many activities and enjoy time with their family and friends.
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I am a dedicated healthcare researcher and an enthusiast specializing in medical grants, medical education and research. Through my articles, I aim to empower healthcare professionals and researchers with valuable insights and resources to navigate these critical aspects effectively.
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