Introduction
One of the most common causes of stroke is acute ischemic stroke. This type of stroke occurs when an artery that supplies blood to the brain becomes blocked by a clot or other material, and part of the brain is deprived of oxygen. Through appropriate nursing care and management, nurses can play a vital role in the recovery of ischemic stroke patients.
Assessment
Physical symptoms: Common physical signs and symptoms of ischemic stroke can include paralysis or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty with speech and/or vision, or balance problems.
Cognitive symptoms: Patients may also present with cognitive difficulties, such as impaired memories, concentration and language comprehension.
Commonly used tests: Diagnostics commonly used to diagnose an acute ischemic stroke include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, echocardiograms and arterial Doppler ultrasonography.
Nursing Diagnosis
Impaired physical mobility: Impaired physical mobility may occur due to nerve damage or muscle weakness caused by the stroke. It could lead to decreased independence in activities of daily living.
Self-care deficit: Self-care deficits can be caused by impaired physical mobility. The patient may require help with activities such as bathing, dressing and eating.
Risk for aspiration: Patients may be at risk for aspiration due to neurological deficits or decreased awareness of swallowing and coughing reflexes. Aspiration occurs when food or liquid goes into the lungs.
Outcomes
Improve physical mobility: Nursing interventions for ischemic stroke should focus on improving the patient's ability to move and regain independence with activities of daily living.
Safety: The patient should engage in self-care activities in a safe environment without compromising their health.
Nutrition: Nutritional needs of ischemic stroke patients should be met through adequate nutrition and hydration.
Interventions
- Supportive care: Supportive care includes providing emotional support and promoting optimal communication between the patient and their family.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve the patient's mobility, strength and coordination.
- Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy focuses on helping the patient return to their previous level of functioning in activities of daily living.
- Speech-language therapy: Speech-language therapy can help with language impairment associated with stroke and dysphagia, which is difficulty in swallowing.
- Medications: Antiplatelet medications can help to prevent further strokes and help to manage the complications of an existing stroke, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
Rationales
Supportive care: Supporting the patient and their family helps to reduce anxiety and promote positive coping strategies.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve motor functions, decrease pain, and improve movement and coordination of affected areas of the body.
Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help the patient to regain independence with activities of daily living and improve overall quality of life.
Speech-language therapy: Speech-language therapy can help with language difficulty caused by the stroke. It can help with the patient's verbal and non-verbal communication.
Medication: Due to their anticoagulant effects, antiplatelet medications can help to reduce the risk of future stroke episodes.
Evaluation
Nursing interventions should be evaluated on the patient's progress towards achieving their individualized short-term and long-term goals. Patient outcomes should be monitored on a regular basis and any changes noted promptly.
Conclusion
Nursing care is imperative in the treatment and management of acute ischemic stroke. Through the use of evidence-based practices, nursing interventions can help to improve outcomes and quality of life for stroke patients. Nurses should provide patient-centered care that is individualized to the patient's needs and expectations.
FAQs
- What is an ischemic stroke? An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain is blocked by a clot or other material.
- Are there risks associated with having an ischemic stroke? Yes, stroke patients are at risk for serious complications such as paralysis, speech difficulty, and cognitive deficits.
- What tests are used to diagnose a stroke? Tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, echocardiograms, and arterial Doppler tests can be used to diagnose an ischemic stroke.
- What interventions can nurses use to treat ischemic stroke? Nursing interventions for ischemic stroke should focus on supportive care, physical and occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and medications.
- What is the goal of nursing care for ischemic stroke patients? The goal of nursing care for ischemic stroke patients is to help improve physical mobility, safety, nutrition, and overall quality of life.
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