Evaluation of nurse-led early graded rehabilitation and pulmonary ultrasound-guided comprehensive chest physical therapy in comatose ICU patients

Abstract

Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) who are comatose face respiratory complications and a process of long-term rehabilitation. This study evaluates the combined effect of nurse-led early graded rehabilitation (EGR) and comprehensive chest physical therapy (CCPT) guided by pulmonary ultrasound (PU) on neurological function, respiratory outcomes, and complications in comatose ICU patients. This retrospective study included 120 comatose patients admitted to the ICU from July 2024 to February 2025, divided into a conventional treatment group and a combination treatment group. The latter accepted the CCPT guided by EGR and PU. Evaluate the results using Glasgow Coma Scale, Barthel Index, respiratory parameters, and incidence of complications. The data were analyzed using t-test and logistic regression. The combination therapy group demonstrated significant improvements in the Glasgow Coma Scale (6.32 ± 1.15 vs 5.85 ± 1.26; P = .035). Respiratory parameters, including higher tidal volumes (239.57 ± 76.07 mL vs194.78 ± 55.34 mL; P < .001) and oxygenation indices (245.67 ± 27.51 mm Hg vs 235.34 ± 25.08 mm Hg; P = .034), were also enhanced. Significant reductions in pulmonary infection (1.67% vs 15%; P = .021) and deep vein thrombosis (1.67% vs 13.33%; P = .038) were observed. Integrating EGR with PU-guided CCPT significantly improves neurological function, functional independence, and respiratory outcomes while reducing critical complications in comatose ICU patients. This combined therapeutic strategy represents a highly effective approach to enhancing recovery in critical care settings.