assessment and diagnostics within 4.5 hours
of admission, airway, breathing, circulation, pt
will receive (tPA) within an hour if ischemic,
supplemental oxygen (if needed), monitor for
neurological deficits, hydralazine, labetolol (if
BP >220/120), supplemental IV fluids (monitor
electrolytes to avoid hyperglycemia)
Comprehensive
Neurological Exam
- Level of
consciousness
-cognition -motor
abilities -cranial
nerve function
-sensation
-proprioception
-cerebellar
function -deep
tendon reflexes
Planning
Patient, Nurse
& Family
Establish
Goals:
Maintain stable/improved LOC, attain
maximum physical functioning, attain
maximum self-care abilities and skills,
maintain stable body functions,
maximize communication abilities,
maintain adequate nutrition, avoid
complications of stroke, maintain
effective personal and family coping
skills
Implementation
Health Promotion, Acute
Intervention,
Manage HTN with
antihypertensives, control of
blood glucose in diabetes
cases, treat AF with
anticoagulants, smoking
cessation,
Neurological
Monitor signs of
stroke extension,
use of The
Canadian
Neurological Scale
for monitoring,
changes in LOC,
monitor ICP and
cranial perfusion
pressure
Respiratory
Decreased muscle
strength, risk of
atelectasis and
pneumonia,
dysphagia leading
to aspiration
pneumonia or
airway obstruction,
may require enteral
feeding and/or
artificial airway
Cardiovascular
Manage secondary
cardiac diseases, Fluid
retention leading to
increased ICP (monitor IV
fluids, fluid intake and
output), Monitor cardiac
rhythms, vitals, pulmonary
congestion,, orthostatic
hypertension, deep-vein
thrombosis (ROM
exercises, compression
devices,
low-molecular-weight
heparin)
Musculo-Skeletal
Prevent muscular atrophy and joint
contractures, ROM exercises, positioning,
joints positioned higher than proximal joint
(prevent edema), use of slings and
splints on extremities
Integumentary
Manage loss of
sensation, repositioning
(20 minutes per side),
cushions, skin hygiene,
mobility
Nutrition care
outlined by SLP or
OT, test of gag
reflex, chewing, and
swallowing
GI/Urinary
Manage constipation
with stool
softeners/fibre,
laxatives,
suppositories, monitor
fluid intake,
prevent incontinence,
limit use of catheter,
adequate fluid intake,
scheduled toileting
Patient may
experience
aphasia, a nurse
should speak in
simple sentences,
use calm tone, and
hand gestures or
assistive devices
Homonymous
hemianopia/neglect
syndrome may effect
patients ability to
interact with the
environment
Evaluation
Ambulatory & Home Care
Interdisciplinary and
family-centered
Eating, toileting & walking,
prevention of additional
muscle loss, muscle
spasticity & regaining
voluntary control, balance
training, posture control,
use of
walkers/wheelchairs/splints
Monitor: weight & activity
level, signs of malnutrition/dehydration,
use of assistive devices. Regular
bowel elimination, possibly with the
use of stool softener/suppository.
Assess: for urinary retention,
reduction in the need for incontinence
products
Sensory-perceptual deficits require
a clear environment and increased
use of paralyzed side
Affect & coping should be monitored:
look for signs of maladjustment, Patient
should begin reintegrating into community
Clinical Manifestations
Motor Function
Akinesia
Hypo/hyperflexia
Communication:
Dysarthria ->
characterized by
slurred or slow
speech that can
be difficult to
understand.
Aphasia
Expressive
aphasia,
receptive
aphasia, global
aphasia & anomic
aphasia
Mood and Affect:
exaggerated or
unpredictable
emotional responses,
frustration and/or
depression
Spatial-Perceptual: Alterations
Typically associated with right-brain stroke
incorrect perception of self & disease, unilateral
neglect, difficulty with spatial orientation, agnosia,
apraxia