SLower progression
over 24 hours, more
fatal if pt is
comatose, high risk
for women.
Subarachnoid
Highest in women,
youngest stroke
population
Thunderclap headache,
neck stiffness, and
often decreased level of
consciousness acute
onset
Risk factors:
traumatic brain injury,
smoking, high BP, past
cerebral aneurism
(larger size), family hx
of subarachnoid
hemorrhage and
multiple cerebral
aneurisms.
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
Can have effects:
Mobility function,
Respiratory function
Swallowing, speech, Gag
reflex, Self-care abilities
Akinesia
Motor Deficits
Hyper/Hyporeflexia
Akinesia
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