Reference no: EM133954872
Overview
Stroke occurs when there is ischemia (inadequate blood flow) to a part of the brain or hemorrhage (bleeding) into the brain that results in death of brain cells. Functions such as movement, sensation, or emotions that are controlled by the affected area of the brain are lost or impaired. The severity of the loss of function varies according to the location and extent of the brain involved. The loss of function may be temporary or permanent. The term brain attack is also used to describe stroke. This term communicates the urgency of recognizing the clinical manifestations of a stroke and treating a medical emergency, similar to what would be done with a heart attack. Following the onset of a stroke, immediate medical attention is crucial to decrease disability and death. Treatment includes drug and/or surgical therapy, dependent on the type of stroke, location, timing, and severity of the symptoms. After the patient with a stroke has stabilized for 12 to 24 hours, inter professional care shifts from preserving life to lessening disability and attaining optimal function.
Case Study
T.C. is a 65-year-old African American truck driver who woke up with weakness of the left side of his body, loss of vision in one eye, and an inability to speak this morning. He sat on the edge of the bed, and the symptoms resolved in about 20 minutes. His wife insisted that she bring him to the emergency department, where he insists that he is fine, doesn't need to see a doctor, and that he has never been sick a day in his life. Despite his protests, you take his vital signs while performing a brief health history and physical assessment. Assessment findings include the following vital signs: BP 194/108 mm Hg, heart rate (HR) 84 beats/minute, respiratory rate (RR) 22 breaths/minute, temperature 97.8° F (36.6° C). He moves all of his extremities well, he has equal grip strength in his hands, and his pupils react equally and briskly to light. His last visit to a health care provider was 7 years ago when he finally had a repair of an inguinal hernia that he had had for more than 20 years. He tells you that he doesn't smoke or drink alcohol, but he has been a "steak and potato" man all of his life.
Questions
1. Differentiate between a transient ischemic attack (TIA) and ischemic stroke.
2. Identify risk factors for stroke.
3. Evaluate results of diagnostic testing in a patient with a neurologic deficit.
4. Identify relevant assessment data for a patient with a neurologic deficit.
5. Develop a prioritized nursing care plan for a patient with a stroke.
6. Appropriately delegate nursing care of a patient with a neurologic deficit.
7. Describe the inter professional care of a patient with a stroke.
8. Discuss health promotion strategies to decrease the risk of stroke.