Stroke 101
An exploding headache is often the first symptom of this type of stroke.
What is a hemorrhagic stroke?
A stroke patient who can understand what is said but is unable to communicate verbally is suffering from this type of aphasia.
What is expressive aphasia?
This test is the definitive diagnosis of a stroke?
What is an MRI?
These devices may be applied to a stroke patient’s legs to help prevent DVT.
What are sequential compression devices/ted hose/anti-embolism stockings?
This type of stroke accounts for 80-85% of all strokes.
What is ischemic stroke/thrombotic stroke/embolic stroke?
This temporary impairment of blood flow can be the earliest warning sign of a stroke.
What is a TIA/transient ischemic attack?
This type of drug should be administered within 3 hours of the onset of an ischemic stroke to break up a clot.
What is TPA/thrombolytic therapy?
If a stroke patient has a visual deficit on the right side, you should approach them from this side.
What is the left side/opposite side?
This is the number one risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke.
What is hypertension/high blood pressure?
This is the term used to describe when a patient is unaware of the existence of his or her paralyzed side.
What is neglect/unilateral neglect/neglect syndrome?
This category of drug may be given to decrease HTN in a stroke patient by slowing the heart rate and decreasing the workload of the heart.
What are beta blockers?
Testing the patient’s gag reflex and administering medications in crushed form are essential interventions to manage which common complication following a stroke?
What is dysphagia/difficulty swallowing?
Paralysis or weakness on this side of the body may result from a right hemispheric stroke.
What is the left side?
The components of this acronym enable people to recognize a stroke in a timely fashion.
What is FAST? (Face/Arms/Speech/Time)
This is an osmotic diuretic commonly used to pull water out of the brain tissue to control increased ICP.
What is mannitol?
A regular turning schedule and pressure relieving devices are used to prevent this complication in the immobile stroke patient.
What is skin breakdown/impaired skin integrity/pressure ulcers?
Impulsive behavior and poor judgment may result from a hemispheric stroke on this side of the brain.
What is the right side/right hemisphere?
A patient who can’t recognize previously familiar objects is likely suffering from this complication following a stroke.
What is agnosia?
This procedure is used to remove an atherosclerotic plaque or thrombus from the carotid artery to prevent stroke in patients with severe carotid artery stenosis.
What is a carotid endarterectomy/CEA?
A nurse has orders to pad the side rails of a patient’s bed and to administer Phenytoin/Dilantin to prevent this complication.
What are seizures?