Decreased level of consciousness can range from dizziness to unconsciousness. How should you respond as consciousness diminishes?

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Multiple Choice

Decreased level of consciousness can range from dizziness to unconsciousness. How should you respond as consciousness diminishes?

When consciousness is diminishing, the priority is safety and preserving blood flow to the brain. Help the person to the floor to prevent a fall and injury, and elevate the legs to improve venous return and cerebral perfusion. This position can help stabilize someone who is feeling faint or dizzy. Do not attempt to make them stand or walk, and do not restrain them, as restricting movement can cause harm and impede breathing. While supporting them, check for responsiveness and breathing, loosen tight clothing, and stay with them. If they remain conscious and symptoms improve, keep them lying down with legs elevated and monitor. If they become unconscious or have trouble breathing, call for help immediately and place them in a safe position (recovery position if there’s a risk of vomiting or airway compromise, otherwise a flat position with legs elevated if appropriate) and continue monitoring. Avoid giving food or drink until fully alert.

When consciousness is diminishing, the priority is safety and preserving blood flow to the brain. Help the person to the floor to prevent a fall and injury, and elevate the legs to improve venous return and cerebral perfusion. This position can help stabilize someone who is feeling faint or dizzy. Do not attempt to make them stand or walk, and do not restrain them, as restricting movement can cause harm and impede breathing.

While supporting them, check for responsiveness and breathing, loosen tight clothing, and stay with them. If they remain conscious and symptoms improve, keep them lying down with legs elevated and monitor. If they become unconscious or have trouble breathing, call for help immediately and place them in a safe position (recovery position if there’s a risk of vomiting or airway compromise, otherwise a flat position with legs elevated if appropriate) and continue monitoring. Avoid giving food or drink until fully alert.

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