Stroke Basics
This term describes a sudden loss of neurologic function caused by disrupted blood supply to the brain.
What is a stroke?
This type of stroke is caused by obstruction from a thrombus or embolus.
What is ischemic stroke?
This type of stroke is caused by bleeding into brain tissue or surrounding spaces.
What is hemorrhagic stroke?
This imaging study must be performed before administering thrombolytic therapy.
What is a non-contrast CT scan?
This complication is common after stroke due to dysphagia and poor cough reflex.
What is aspiration pneumonia?
This phrase emphasizes the urgency of stroke treatment.
What is “Time is brain”?
This cardiac dysrhythmia is a major cause of embolic stroke.
What is atrial fibrillation?
This symptom is classically described as “the worst headache of my life.”
What is severe sudden headache (subarachnoid hemorrhage)?
After tPA administration, this complication must be closely monitored.
What is bleeding (especially intracranial hemorrhage)?
This motor deficit refers to weakness on one side of the body.
What is hemiparesis?
This screening tool helps quantify stroke severity in the acute setting.
What is the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)?
This type of ischemic stroke is commonly associated with long-standing hypertension and affects small penetrating arteries.
What is a lacunar (small vessel) stroke?
This complication typically occurs 3–14 days after subarachnoid hemorrhage and can cause delayed ischemia.
What is vasospasm?
This position helps reduce intracranial pressure while maintaining airway protection.
What is elevating the head of bed to 30 degrees?
This language disorder involves difficulty expressing oneself.
What is expressive (Broca’s) aphasia?
This temporary neurologic deficit is considered a warning of an impending stroke.
What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
This medication is administered within a limited time window to dissolve clots in eligible patients.
What is alteplase (tPA)?
This medication is administered to improve neurologic outcomes in subarachnoid hemorrhage by preventing vasospasm-related injury.
What is nimodipine?
This precaution is essential to prevent aspiration in stroke patients with dysphagia.
What is sitting the patient upright at 90 degrees during feeding?
This intervention prevents joint contractures in immobile stroke patients.
What is passive or active range of motion exercises?
This is the primary modifiable risk factor for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.
What is hypertension?
This phenomenon refers to salvageable brain tissue surrounding the core infarct.
What is the ischemic penumbra?
This is the highest risk complication within the first 24–48 hours after aneurysmal hemorrhage.
What is rebleeding?
This formula helps determine cerebral perfusion pressure.
What is CPP = MAP – ICP?
This bowel management strategy prevents increased intracranial pressure from straining.
What are stool softeners and scheduled toileting?