A coma is a medical condition in which the patient is in a long state of deep unconsciousness, something very similar to deep sleep, but with more complications. It is usually caused by some form of severe injury or some medical condition. It is a type of neurological emergency situation, in which the patient suffers a failure of the neuronal systems that help to take care of arousal and awareness in a person. As soon as one gets into coma their loved ones start looking for the best hospital for coma patients so that they are properly taken care and treated well.

Nursing for a patient who is in a state of coma can be quite challenging, especially as the patient is in a constant state of unconsciousness and will not be able to respond to any instructions. However, there are certain types of medical equipment for coma patients that will make sure that the patient’s vitals are always accurately measured and the patient receives the best care and medical attention, even while recovering at home.

12 Types Of Medical Equipment For Coma Patients To Use

At Home

How to take care of coma patient at home is one of the important questions in everyone’s mind. Below tips will help you to treat coma patient The doctor and the patient’s care team will make a complete assessment of the patient’s overall health and the condition and intensity of the coma. Based on the same, they will recommend the equipment that will be needed at home once the patient is discharged from hospital care and is sent home to recuperate. Here is some equipment that can help for a coma patient care at home:

Hospital Bed

It is the type of bed that is used in the hospitals but can also be used at home. The bed has rails on the sides that can be lowered and put up as required. The mattress is specifically designed for these types of beds and comes in three sections that are joined together. It makes it easier to have the foot, middle and head part of the bed to be raised separately, depending on the patient’s need. It is important to keep a coma patient in a head elevated position as it can help to reduce the amount of intracranial pressure. It will also let the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid drain out from the brain.

Ventriculostomy Tube

Also known as the ventricular drain, this is a type of tube that is put in a ventricle and is connected to a drainage bag. It helps to measure the pressure in the skull and drains out the cerebrospinal fluid.

Ventilator

For those patients who are unable to breathe on their own, a ventilator is used to help the patient breathe. It is a type of machine that helps the patient to breathe easily by sending oxygen to the lungs. It comes attached to a tube that can be placed near the nose to assist in breathing and can also come with the option of having a breathing cup that is placed over the nose and mouth. The ventilator can also help a patient get extra breaths to prevent the risk of accidental stopping of breathing. The machine can provide the extra breaths which can then help to make the blood vessels in the brain become smaller and as a result reduce the amount of intracranial pressure.

Vibrating Machine And Catheter

It is a type of machine that can help to loosen the phlegm present inside a patient’s chest, and is especially used in those cases where the patient has pneumonia. After using it to clear out the airways, the phlegm will then be suctioned out. For this procedure, a catheter may also be required to be placed at the back of the throat or in the lungs.

Endotracheal Tube Or Trach

An endotracheal tube, also known as a trach, is a type of tube that is used for those patients who have a lot of secretion in their lungs or who have been on a ventilator for a long time. It is placed in the trachea, or the windpipe, and is used to help the patient to cough out the phlegm. It also helps the home nurse to suction out the lungs of the patient. This is not a permanent device that is placed in but can be taken out once the patient starts to show improvement.

Foley Catheter For Bowel

Most patients who are in a coma are not able to have any control over their bowel movements. In such a case, a catheter is used which allows the patient to pass urine or stool and makes it easier for the home nurse to clean away the same. This type of catheter also helps to measure the accurate amount of urine that a patient passes.

Monitor Screen

Many patients who stay home while being a coma are also hooked on to a monitor screen, which is a type of screen that helps the care staff to keep a note of the patient’s heart rate, breathing, level of blood pressure as well as the intracranial pressure.

Nasogastric Tube

This is a type of tube that is placed through the nose of the patient and goes into the stomach. It is mainly used to suction out the contents of the stomach, and can also be used to directly insert liquid food inside the patient’s stomach.

EKG Lead Wires

These are a bunch of wires that will be connected to the chest of the patient. These are usually connected with the help of small patches that help to measure the rate and rhythm of the patient’s heart.

Intravenous Catheter

This is a type of flexible catheter that is mainly used to insert fluids, medicines as well as liquid nutrient directly in the patient’s vein.

Anti-Embolism Stockings Or TEDS

Also known as TEDS, the anti-embolism stockings are long white coloured stockings that are put over a patient’s legs. These are used to prevent the formation of blood clots in the legs.

Sequential Compression Stocking Or Kendalls

Also known as Kendalls, the sequential compression stocking is a type of plastic wrap for the legs that is put around the patient’s leg. These are inflated and deflated around the patient’s leg and are used to prevent any type of pooling of blood in the patient’s legs.

Additional Equipment Required For Bedridden Patients

In addition to the medical equipment for coma patients listed above, here is a list of equipment that is specifically designed for those who have to stay on the bed and can be of great help.

1. Bed Pads And Under Pads: A bed pad or underpad is a type of underlining that you can place under the main mattress on the bed. These are especially helpful to soak up any wetness that can occur as a result of any type of accidental spills or urine leak
2. Pressure Relief Mattress: A pressure relief air mattress is a type of mattress that is specially designed for patients who are bedridden. It is a very soft mattress and helps to spread the entire body’s weight evenly. It also helps to prevent and ease any bed sores.
3. IV Stand: This is especially important for those patients who are put on a drip and require constant IV medication. The stand comes with wheels so that you can easily move it next to the patient’s bed.
4. Adult Diapers: These come in various forms such as pant form or regular diapers, disposable or cloth ones and with a varying amount of absorbency. It is important to check that the diaper is the right fit as else it could cause leakage and result in diaper rash and sores. You can read all about adult diapers here.

There is a host of equipment available that can help your loved one be comfortable while being in bed, and also make it easier for the caregiver to assist on a daily basis. Find out what will work best for your needs.