Management of Unconsciousness

Question 1

What is unconsciousness?

Answer 1

Unconsciousness is when a person is unable to respond to people and activities.

Question 2

What is the Reticular Activating System (RAS)?

Answer 2

The Reticular Activating System is a network in the brainstem responsible for maintaining consciousness.

Question 3

What does ALOC stand for?

Answer 3

ALOC stands for Altered Level of Consciousness.

Question 4

What are the characteristics of clouding of consciousness?

Answer 4

Clouding of consciousness involves inattention, decreased alertness, and reduced wakefulness.

Question 5

What is confusion in the context of ALOC?

Answer 5

Confusion is a state of disorientation with difficulty following commands.

Question 6

Define lethargy in the spectrum of altered levels of consciousness.

Answer 6

Lethargy is severe drowsiness where the patient can still be aroused with moderate stimuli.

Question 7

What is obtundation, and how does it differ from lethargy?

Answer 7

Obtundation is similar to lethargy but with slower responses and decreased wakefulness.

Question 8

What is stupor, and how is it different from other states of ALOC?

Answer 8

Stupor is when the patient can only be aroused by repeated and vigorous stimuli, such as pain.

Question 9

What defines a coma in the spectrum of consciousness?

Answer 9

A coma is a persistent state of unresponsiveness despite attempts at arousal.

Question 10

Name three vascular causes of unconsciousness.

Answer 10

Vascular causes include CVA, ruptured aneurysm, and infarction.

Question 11

What metabolic conditions can lead to unconsciousness?

Answer 11

Metabolic conditions include diabetes mellitus, uraemia, liver failure, and hypoxia.

Question 12

What is the importance of maintaining a patent airway in an unconscious patient?

Answer 12

Maintaining a patent airway prevents aspiration and ensures the patient can breathe.

Question 13

What is the order of priority in managing the airway, breathing, and circulation in an unconscious patient?

Answer 13

The priority order is Airway, Breathing, and then Circulation.

Question 14

What is the most common cause of airway obstruction in unconscious patients?

Answer 14

The most common cause of airway obstruction in unconscious patients is the posterior displacement of the tongue.

Question 15

How do you assess if the airway is obstructed?

Answer 15

Airway obstruction is assessed by gurgling, snoring, stridor, or apnea.

Question 16

What is the jaw thrust technique used for, and when is it indicated?

Answer 16

The jaw thrust technique is used to open the airway in patients with suspected cervical spine injuries.

Question 17

How do you support breathing in an unconscious patient?

Answer 17

Support breathing with rescue breathing, bag-mask ventilation, or supplemental oxygen.

Question 18

How do you assess circulation in an unconscious patient?

Answer 18

Assess circulation by checking for normal breathing, coughing, movement, and carotid pulse.

Question 19

What should you do if there is circulation but no breathing in an unconscious patient?

Answer 19

Continue rescue breathing or assisted ventilation and check for circulation every minute.

Question 20

What is the AVPU scale, and what does each letter stand for?

Answer 20

The AVPU scale stands for Alert, Verbal, Pain, and Unresponsive.

Question 21

What is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and what is its purpose?

Answer 21

The GCS is used to assess the level of consciousness based on motor, verbal, and eye responses.

Question 22

How is the best motor response scored in the GCS?

Answer 22

Best motor response scores from 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest for following commands.

Question 23

How is the best verbal response scored in the GCS?

Answer 23

Best verbal response scores from 1 to 5, with 5 being fully oriented.

Question 24

How is the best eye response scored in the GCS?

Answer 24

Best eye response scores from 1 to 4, with 4 being spontaneous eye opening.

Question 25

What are some external signs to look for during the exposure assessment of an unconscious patient?

Answer 25

External signs include temperature, trauma, rash, and neck stiffness.

Question 26

What is the purpose of the recovery position, and how should it be performed?

Answer 26

The recovery position allows fluid drainage and prevents aspiration, keeping the airway accessible.

Question 27

Why is it important to maintain a stable recovery position?

Answer 27

A stable recovery position prevents rolling and maintains airway patency.

Question 28

How should an unconscious patient’s airway be positioned in the recovery position?

Answer 28

The airway should be accessible and easily observed, with the mouth dependent.

Question 29

What does the “D” in the ABCDEFG approach stand for?

Answer 29

“D” stands for “Don’t” in the ABCDEFG approach.

Question 30

What does the “G” in the ABCDEFG approach stand for?

Answer 30

“G” stands for “Glucose” in the ABCDEFG approach.

Question 31

What is the first step in managing an unconscious patient?

Answer 31

The first step is to ensure the airway is clear and patent.

Question 32

What is the purpose of using supplemental oxygen in an unconscious patient?

Answer 32

Supplemental oxygen supports breathing and improves oxygenation.

Question 33

How often should you check for circulation if there is no breathing in an unconscious patient?

Answer 33

Circulation should be checked every minute if there is no breathing.

Question 34

Why is it important to monitor blood glucose in an unconscious patient?

Answer 34

Monitoring blood glucose helps detect and manage hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.