Sign and symptoms
Which acronym helps us to remember the signs and symptoms of stroke?
F.A.S.T.
F=face
A=arms
S=speech
T= time to call 911
What is the number 1 risk factor for stroke?
Hypertension - goal <120/80
About 795,000 Americans each year suffer a new or recurrent stroke. On average a stroke occurs every ----- seconds?
A stroke occurs every 40 seconds.
What would cause a staff member to trigger a code stroke?
A change in the patient's neurological status from baseline. Weakness to arm or leg on same side, facial droop and difficulty speaking.
What is a stroke?
Stroke is a disruption of blood flow to the brain.
List the 5 signs and symptoms of stroke?
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, lack of balance or coordination
Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Which three risk factors are termed the triple play for heart disease and stroke?
Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and Diabetes
The brain can stay alive for how many minutes without oxygen before cells begin to die?
The brain stays alive for 4 to 6 minutes without oxygen.
After obtaining labs and vital signs and before going to radiology for CT scan. What patient information do we need before administering t-PA?
Patient's weight
What is the number one psychological impact of stroke?
What is depression?
If a patient presents with no movement to the right arm and leg which side of the brain is experiencing the stroke?
Left hemisphere
Diabetes a risk factor for stroke. What is the American Diabetes Association goal number for A1C?
Goal for A1C is <6.0
Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the U.S.. What number does stroke rank for death in the U.S.?
Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the U.S.
What is the purpose of performing a CT scan during a code stroke?
Rule out a hemorrhagic stroke, a contraindication to t-PA.
Which area of the brain controls speech?
Left frontal lobe, where the area of Broco is located.
Which part of the brain controls vision?
Occipital region
Which gender has a higher risk for stroke?
Males by 40%
Which specific nationality has the highest rate of strokes in the U.S?
African American
Patient is given t-PA and the nurse tells you, "We need a blood sugar on the patient". Your actions.
No venous puncture for 24 hrs.
Name some of the biggest stumbling blocks for the caregiver, caring for a love one stricken by a stroke?
Knowledge about stroke, lack of support, resources to help the caregiver, financial resources.
Which part of the brain controls personality?
The pre cortex located in the frontal lobe.
Which cardiac condition puts you at highest risk for a stroke?
Atrial fibrillation, Congestive Heart Failure, Heart Attack
How can each of us be proactive in preventing a stroke?
Know your risk factors and know your numbers.
Patient admitted to your unit awake, alert and oriented at 12:30pm. You entered the room at 1pm and brought her lunch. Returned back at 1:30pm and found patient sleeping. 2:30pm you heard a loud noise in patient's room. Patient is experiencing slurred speech, and weakness to right arm. Code stroke called. When is the patient's last well know time.
Patient's last well know is 1:00pm
What is the purpose of a stroke support group?
For stroke patients and their caregivers to meet and get together to discuss their experiences, share ideas, and provide emotional support for one another.