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. 2018 Feb;18(1):88-92.
doi: 10.7861/clinmedicine.18-1-88.

A systematic approach to the unconscious patient

Tim Cooksley  1 , Sarah Rose  2 , Mark Holland  3
Affiliations

A systematic approach to the unconscious patient

Tim Cooksley et al. Clin Med (Lond). 2018 Feb.

Abstract

Unconscious patients are commonly seen by physicians. They are challenging to manage and in a time sensitive condition, a systematic, team approach is required. Early physiological stability and diagnosis are necessary to optimise outcome. This article focuses on unconscious patients where the initial cause appears to be non-traumatic and provides a practical guide for their immediate care.

Keywords: Unconscious; coma; drug toxicity; hypoglycaemia; neurological injury.

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Figures

Fig 1.
Fig 1.
Systematic team approach to the unconscious patient. ABCDE = airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure; CT = computed tomography; CXR = chest X-ray
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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