Final answer:
When encountering an unconscious patient, you must check for responsiveness, call for help, ensure an open airway, check for breathing, start CPR if necessary, use an AED if available, and continue care until medical professionals take over. The medical team, including the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional, should review and confirm the care plan before the induction of anesthesia.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you find a patient is unconscious, a systematic approach should be followed to provide the best possible care:
- First, assess the situation to ensure your own safety. Then check the patient’s responsiveness by gently tapping and shouting at them.
- If there is no response, call for help immediately or direct someone to call for emergency medical services.
- Ensure the patient has an open airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Check for any obstructions in the mouth.
- Next, check for breathing by looking at the rise and fall of the chest, and listening for breath sounds. If the person is not breathing normally, prepare to start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
- When performing CPR, push hard and fast in the center of the chest, and if trained, give rescue breaths.
- If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, use it as soon as possible following the device's instructions.
- Continue CPR until medical professionals arrive or until the patient regains consciousness.
The surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional should review aloud the key concerns for the recovery and care of the patient before induction of anesthesia, and the entire team should confirm the plan of action.