Nursing Management for Syncope / Fainting

Syncope (Fainting)

Fainting or syncope is also called a momentary loss of consciousness due to blood flow to the brain is temporarily reduced. In contrast to the shock, the pulse becomes slower, although it will soon rise again. Usually patients can recover.

Nursing management for patients with syncope, we should be able to ascertain precipitating factors or causes that appropriate treatment can be done. The cause of fainting that deserves our attention among which are; disorders vascular tone or blood volume, cardiovascular disorders, cerebrovascular disease, and other disorders such as metabolic disorders, psychogenic and seizures. Syncope caused by a heart defect risk of causing death.

As a form of prevention, patients with recurrent syncope or have a history of fainting without prior symptoms should avoid activities that could cause further injury, when it came to losing consciousness at the time of the event, such as; swim alone, operating heavy machinery or driving. Elderly patients with dizziness or syncope are at risk of traumatic injury. Morbidity and mortality of elderly patients are very significant as they fall when they lose consciousness.

Before someone fainted, there is usually a sign that perceived. Therefore, it can be deep breathing, and relaxation techniques to avoid fainting. Such techniques can help control fainting associated with the regulation of blood pressure.

Lying at least 10-15 minutes in a cool and quiet. By the time symptoms appear to be unconscious as lightheadedness, nausea or cold and moist skin, can be counter-pressure maneuvers such as clenched fingers, tense hands, and crossed legs or thighs pressed. If fainting occurs frequently without triggering events, usually a sign of underlying heart disease.

If the patient has lost consciousness, the patient should be placed in a position that supports blood flow to the brain, protected from trauma and get a secure airway. Actions that can be performed on first aid is laid unconscious patient with legs elevated and sustained. The patient should certainly be able to get some fresh air. Therefore, the window should be opened, or if the patient is outside the room or in the crowd, lest the patient surrounded. If not immediately recovered consciousness, breathing and pulse should be checked and prepared to anticipate resuscitation if necessary.

If possible, the patient should lie supine and head facing to the side to prevent aspiration and airway obstruction by the tongue. Furthermore, pulse and cardiac auscultation assessment can help determine whether the fainting associated with bradyarrhythmias or tachyarrhythmias. The clothing should be loosened stick tight, especially on the neck and waist. Stimulation of peripheral such as dripping water on the face can help resuscitate the patient. Any gift to a patient's mouth, including water, should be avoided if the patient is still in the physical weakness.