Stroke

Question 1

What is a stroke?

Answer 1

= damage to the brain from interruption to the blood supply

• ischemic stroke - clot
• haemorrhagic stroke - bleed

Question 2

What are the core components of nursing care in stroke management?

Answer 2

• Assessment - level of consciousness (GCS)
  
  • Pressure are care - turn in bed, sitting out of bed, mobilising
  • Early referral to physiotherapist, speech pathology and OT
  • Head position - optimising blood flow to brain
  • Managing hydration and nutrition
    
    • Swallow screen
    • Right consistency of diet
  • Oral care
  • Optimising respiratory function
  • Maintaining respiratory function
  • Maintaining haemodynamic stability
  • DVT prevention

Question 3

What are the modifiable risk factors for a stroke?

Answer 3

• Blood pressure
  
  • Cholesterol
  • Blood glucose
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Diet
  • Physical activity
  • Controlling atrial fibrillation

Question 4

What is the assessment of anxiety and depression in stroke

Answer 4

• Referral to clinical psychologist or neuropsychologist
  
  • Hospital anxiety and depression scores (HADS)
  • Stroke aphasia depression questionnaire (SADQ)