A common misconception is that patients on ventilators cannot communicate. Many can, however not in the way we are most accustomed. Here are some general guidelines when visiting patients who are intubated.
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Always check with the patient’s nurse regarding the patient’s level of awareness.
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Check if the patient can/should be awakened: some are kept medically paralyzed and cannot respond. If that is the case, prayer at the bedside and tactile contact to the hand or arm may be appropriate.
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Some patients are not sedated but become irritated when aroused. Consider offering a silent prayer at the bedside.
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Some patients are paralyzed but not sedated. Talk to them, read from the Bible, newspaper, book, or offer to sing a hymn.
An English Proverb states, “The eyes are the window of the soul.” When a ventilator patient is alert, there is usually a part of their body over which they have control. The nurse or a family member will be able to inform you.
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Ask questions suitable to the patient’s level of response.
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Use “yes/no” questions: A patient’s response will vary based on their ability to use other parts of their body i.e., eye blink or eyebrow movement, hand squeeze, finger/toe movement.
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If the patient is able to write, utilize a dry erase board or a tablet for communication.
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Be patient. Depending on the patient’s injury, there may be a delay for thoughts to be relayed from the speech center.
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Keep visits brief. No more than ten minutes. Patients tire easily.
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Most importantly, visit. Never underestimate the comfort and support a visit can provide.