What are all the machines, and tubes in and around the coma patient?
The machines around the bed are to monitor the patients’ progress and to keep them stable. Please ask the medical staff for further information on what they are and what they do. Some of the more common are: Arterial line: A very thin tube, which is attached to a monitor, is inserted into an artery usually in the arm. This allows measurement of the blood pressure and the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Catheter: This is a flexible tube for withdrawing fluids from or introducing fluids into the body and is frequently used to drain the urinary bladder. Electrocardiogram (EKG): This monitors the patient’s heart rate and rhythm. Round electrode pads are located on the chest and are linked to a monitor. Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor: This measures the pressure within the brain and is attached to the patient’s skull. Intravenous (IV): Tubing inserted into a vein through which fluids and medications can be given. Nasogastric tube: A tube that passes through the
The machines around the bed are to monitor the patients’ progress and to keep them stable. Please ask the medical staff for further information on what they are and what they do. Some of the more common are: Arterial line: A very thin tube, which is attached to a monitor, is inserted into an artery usually in the arm. This allows measurement of the blood pressure and the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Catheter: This is a flexible tube for withdrawing fluids from or introducing fluids into the body and is frequently used to drain the urinary bladder. Electrocardiogram (EKG): This monitors the patient’s heart rate and rhythm. Round electrode pads are located on the chest and are linked to a monitor. Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor: This measures the pressure within the brain and is attached to the patient’s skull. Intravenous (IV): Tubing inserted into a vein through which fluids and medications can be given. Nasogastric tube: A tube that passes through the
