Question

you're a patient is a 48-year-old female brought to the emergency department for stroke like symptoms what are your primary concerns for this patient and what assessment and interventions will be associated with your concerns and why

Answer 1

STROKE

INTRODUCTION

stroke is a major leading cause of death.so its very important to do the assessment and to manage it effectively.

Stroke is a medical emergency.so management should be done quickly.

Definition

Its a rapid loss of brain function due to lack of blood supply to the brain.either blood vessel is blocked,or a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and it causes tissue death.

Types

1. Ischemic stroke
2. Haemorrhagic strokes
3. Transient ischemic stroke

ASSESSMENT

Warning signs of stroke

The primary concern is to identify the warning signs

• Weakness
• Trouble speaking
• Vision problems
• Head ache
• Dizziness

Symptoms of stroke

1. Confusion
2. Trouble speaking
3. Head ache
4. Altered conscious
5. Vomiting
6. Numbness
7. Vision problems
8. Difficulty in walking
9. Dizziness
10. Weakness
11. Bladder and bowel control problems
12. Depression
13. Pain
14. Paralysis

DIAGNOSIS

It can be done by using a tool called FAST

• F-face
• A-arm
• S-speech
• T-time

Ask the patient to speak ,and check for face drooping

Next,arm weakness ask the patient to lift both arms and check whether he is able to lift it.

Third one is speech difficulty,check whether slurring of speech is there or not

Fourth one ,time to call emergency

OTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• CT scan
• Physical examination
• History collection
• Blood tests
• MRI scan
• Carotid ultrasound
• Cerebral angiogram
• Echocardiogram

Treatment

1. Ischemic stroke

Aspirin can be given,and also angioplasty and carotid endarterectomy can be done

HAEMORRHAGIC SHOCK

Drugs can be given to reduce the pressure in the brain, overall blood pressure,to prevent seizures and to prevent constriction of blood vessels

Anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs can be given.

Bood transfusion also can be done

Surgery can be done to repair the malformations

REHABILITATION

Its very important for the recovery

Speech therapy

Physical therapy

Occupational therapy

Then joining support groups

Family and friends support

All of these things are very important for the fastest recovery

PREVENTION

• Eat healthy diet
• Maintain healthy body weight
• Regular excercise
• Avoid smoking and alcohol
• Keeping blood pressure under control
• Regular check up should be done

Stroke management/primary concern

• Call the emergency services
• Position comfortably
• Position in lateral position
• Check breathing is ok or not,if not means... start CPR
• Reassure the patient and relatives
• Avoid giving food or water
• And seek for medical help