Is it wrong for medical staff to swear in the presence of unconscious patients?

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have been watching programs that chronicle the real lives of people working and receiving care in the ER. The staff often use vulgar language with one another, sometimes in front of patients who may or may not be conscious enough to hear them.

I am not a fan of such raw language, but I do not try to control the speech of others. But if I were the patient, I would feel jarred by hearing these unpleasantries from those caring for me at my bedside.

What does etiquette say about governing your speech around visitors to your workplace, where using vulgarities is acceptable? Does it matter if the visitor may or may not be able understand what’s being said?