Complications & Red flags
Before giving food to a stroke patient, this must be done.
What is a swallow study?
This is why a swallow study is critical.
What is to prevent aspiration?
This type of stroke is caused by a clot or narrowing of the vessel.
What is ischemic stroke?
Right brain stroke patient behavior.
Cardiac assessment for stroke.
What is increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
This is why you should avoid inserting lines after tPA.
What is risk of bleeding?
This type of stroke involves bleeding into brain tissue.
What is hemorrhagic stroke?
Left brain stroke patient behavior.
What is cautious/slow?
These are the additional studies for cardiac assessment.
What are coagulation studies (PT, aPTT/PTT), CBC (including platelets), electrolyte panel with blood glucose, lipid profile, renal and hepatic studies?
The most important intervention to prevent aspiration pneumonia.
What is keeping patient NPO until swallow is assessed?
Why blood glucose must be checked in stroke patients.
What is hypoglycemia can mimic stroke?
This occurs when brain cells die due to lack of oxygen.
What is ischemia?
This stroke affects the right side of the body.
What is left-sided stroke?
Patients with A-fib need this education.
What is anticoagulant education?
Classic signs of increased ICP.
What are headache, vomiting, decreased LOC?
Priority nursing action for unilateral neglect.
What is place items on unaffected side initially?
A condition that temporarily mimics stroke symptoms.
What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
Patients who have this side of brain damage are aware of deficits and often experience depression and anxiety.
What is left-sided stroke?
This is a tool used to rapidly assess the severity of a stroke.
What is NIHSS?
This vital sign is a LATE sign of ICP.
What is hypertension with bradycardia (Cushing's response)?
What are anticoagulants and antiplatelets?
Why hemorrhagic strokes are often more severe.
What is increased ICP and tissue damage from bleeding?
Having a stroke that affects this side of the brain will often cause spatial awareness issues.
What is level of consciousness (LOC)?