Effect of Giving a 30° Head Up Position onIncreased Oxygen Saturation in Patients withDecreased Non-Hemorrhagic Stroke

Abstract

Introduction : Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), or strokes, are neurological disorders caused by blockage or rupture of blood vessels in the brain and are clinically divided into non-hemorrhagic and hemorrhagic strokes. Emergency room management focuses not only on pharmacological therapy but also on non- pharmacological interventions such as body positioning to support ventilation. The 30° head-up position is known to help increase oxygen saturation in patients with respiratory distress. Objective: To determine the effect of the 30° head-up position on increasing oxygen saturation in non-hemorrhagic stroke patients with decreased consciousness.

Method: A case study was conducted on a 61-year-old male patient diagnosed with non-hemorrhagic stroke. A comprehensive nursing assessment was conducted, and a nursing diagnosis of impaired gas exchange was established. Interventions included a 30° head-up position, 13 LPM of oxygen (NRM), effective breathing education, and collaborative therapy. Evaluation was conducted after 8 hours of care.

Results: After the intervention, oxygen saturation increased from 85% to 99%, respiratory rate decreased from 30 to 22 breaths/minute, use of accessory muscles decreased, and shortness of breath decreased.

 Conclusion: The 30° head-up position is an effective non-pharmacological intervention to improve oxygenation in patients with non-hemorrhagic stroke with decreased consciousness in the emergency department (ED). This simple intervention is feasible as part of the initial patient stabilization protocol in the ED.