Moderate head injury is a common emergency situation encountered in emergency departments and can cause decreased consciousness, which can lead to aspiration. The risk of aspiration occurs due to decreased protective airway reflexes such as the swallowing and coughing reflexes. This study aims to provide an overview of emergency nursing care for head injury patients with aspiration risk.
The method used was a case study with a nursing process approach, including assessment, diagnosis, intervention, implementation, and evaluation. The subject in this study was a 65-year-old male patient diagnosed with subdural hematoma and decreased consciousness (GCS 11). The nursing problem addressed was aspiration risk.
The nursing care outcomes showed that through optimal airway management, such as placement in a semi-Fowler's position, insertion of an oropharyngeal airway, controlled suction, and oxygen therapy, oxygen saturation increased from 82% to 99% and additional respiratory symptoms decreased. Evaluation on the third day showed that the aspiration risk problem was successfully resolved. In conclusion, appropriate nursing interventions can prevent further complications due to aspiration in head injury patients.