Stroke basics
This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked.
Ischemic stroke.”
This acronym is commonly used to help recognize stroke symptoms quickly.”
BE FAST.”
This medication may be administered to eligible patients with an acute ischemic stroke to dissolve the clot.”
Alteplase, also known as tPA.”
This assessment is frequently performed to monitor a stroke patient's neurological status.”
“A neurological assessment.”
This chronic disease is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for stroke.”
Hypertension
This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds.
Hemorrhagic stroke.”
“In BE FAST, this letter refers to sudden loss of balance or coordination.”
“B, for Balance
Before administering thrombolytic therapy, healthcare providers must determine whether the patient has this type of stroke.”
“An ischemic stroke rather than a hemorrhagic stroke.”
Before giving food, fluids, or oral medications to a patient with an acute stroke, the nurse should assess this.”
The patient's ability to swallow.”
This heart rhythm disorder increases the risk of embolic stroke because blood can pool and form clots in the atria.”
Atrial fibrillation.”
A stroke caused by a clot that forms somewhere else in the body and travels to the brain is called this.”
Embolic stroke.”
Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech is known as this.”
Aphasia
This imaging test is commonly performed rapidly to determine whether a stroke involves bleeding.”
“A CT scan of the head.”
Why is aspiration a major concern after a stroke?”
Because stroke can impair swallowing, allowing food or fluids to enter the airway.”
Smoking increases stroke risk by damaging blood vessels and contributing to this process.”
Atherosclerosis
“A clot that forms directly inside an artery supplying the brain causes this type of ischemic stroke.”
Thrombotic stroke.”
“A patient suddenly develops weakness on the right side of the body. Which side of the brain is most likely affected?”
“The left side of the brain.”
Why is rapid treatment important during an ischemic stroke?”
Because brain tissue is being deprived of oxygen and can become permanently damaged.”
“A patient with a stroke has left-sided neglect. What nursing intervention is appropriate?”
“Encourage the patient to scan the environment and attend to the affected side.”
Diabetes increases stroke risk partly because chronically elevated levels of this substance damage blood vessels.”
Blood Glucose
This temporary neurological condition produces stroke-like symptoms but does not cause permanent brain infarction.”
A transient ischemic attack, or TIA.”
A patient suddenly develops facial drooping, right-sided weakness, and difficulty speaking.
What should the nurse suspect?”
“An acute stroke.”
A patient receiving thrombolytic therapy develops sudden severe headache, vomiting, and worsening neurological status.
What serious complication should the nurse suspect?”
Intracranial hemorrhage.”
A stroke patient suddenly becomes more confused and develops worsening weakness.
What should the nurse do first?”
Perform an immediate neurological assessment and notify the healthcare provider or activate the appropriate emergency response based on the patient's condition and facility protocol.”
Name three modifiable risk factors for stroke.
Hypertension, smoking, and diabetes.”