Feeding & Dressing Comatose Patients

Barte, Anne Bernadette B.

Discussion:
What is comatose?
Who will help after brain injury? Feeding

What is a nasogastric tube feeding?

Dressing demonstration

What is coma?

A coma is a prolonged state of unconsciousness.

Head injuries can cause the brain to swell or bleed and fluid pushes up against

the skull. The swelling may eventually cause the brain to push down on the brain stem, which can damage the RAS (Reticular Activating System) -- a part of the brain that's responsible for arousal and awareness.

During a coma, a person is unresponsive to his or her environment. The person is alive and looks like he or she is sleeping. However, unlike in a deep sleep, the person cannot be awakened by any

stimulation, including pain.

Causes:
Swelling/Bleeding Blood sugar Oxygen deprivation Infection Toxins

Seizures

Who will help the patient?

Team members:

Feeding
NGT

What is a nasogastric tube feeding?

(NGT)

A nasogastric (NG) tube - is a small tube that goes into the stomach through the nose. Breast milk, formula, or liquid food is given through the tube directly into the stomach, giving the individual extra calories. Feeding this way helps your love one get enough nutrition to grow, develop & recover from illness.

Materials needed:
NGT
Syringe with pump Liquid food prescribed by the doctor

Blender
500 ml measuring cup Clean food container Hot water

NGT special tube

Syringe & Pump

Food

Hot water

Blender

Measuring cup

Procedure:
Make sure hands are clean.
Prepare the needed materials. Measure enough food formula (liquid) with tolerable warm. If solids, mix with hot water & blend until a liquid state is achieved. Pour contents into the measuring cup until 300 ml. Elevate the head of the patient.

Untangled the feeding tube.

Connect syringe into the feeding tube.

 In an upright position, carefully pour the liquid contents into the syringe &

cover with pump.

Check if everythings good.

As the formula empties, refill the syringe. Continue until enough diet is

acquired by the patient. (still holding it up)

After feeding, maintain the head elevation for the next 30 mins. (you may

want turn on the televsion at this time)

Do the clean-up. Feedings done!

Dressing
demonstration

Materials:
Clean Clothes
Towel Alcohol

Alcohol

Towel

Dress

Procedure:

Dressing Done