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Do People in a Coma Urinate?

Published in Coma Care 2 mins read

Yes, people in a coma do urinate, but due to their condition, they require assistance for urine collection.

A person in a coma requires special medical care because they are unable to perform basic bodily functions independently. One of these functions is urination. According to the provided reference, "A person who's in a coma needs to have a urinary catheter placed to collect urine (pee)..." (06-Mar-2023). This highlights the necessity of a urinary catheter for urine management in comatose individuals.

Here's a further breakdown:

  • Urinary Catheter: A urinary catheter is a tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine. It is essential for people in a coma because:

    • They are unable to control their bladder functions.
    • They cannot get up to use the toilet.
    • It allows for accurate monitoring of urine output, which is crucial for assessing their overall health and kidney function.
  • Medical Supervision: The insertion and management of a urinary catheter require trained medical personnel to prevent infections and other complications.

  • Mechanical Ventilation: It's also worth noting that the reference mentions, "...it's common for people in a coma to need breathing assistance also, meaning they need mechanical ventilation..." (06-Mar-2023). This indicates the severity of a coma and the comprehensive medical support required.

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