Chapter 19 Stroke Flashcards
stroke
condition of altered function caused when an artery in the brain is blocked, ruptured disrupting the supply of oxygenated blood or causing bleeding into the brain.
formerly called (cerebrovascular accident)
referes to brain tissue that has been damaged by lack of oxygen
signs of a headache
ischemic stroke
a stroke that is caused by a blockage, and can occur when a clot or embolism occludes an artery.
-this mechanism is responsible for most strokes
hemorrhagic stroke
stroke caused by bleeding into the brain.
-frequently caused by long standing high blood pressure (hypertension) or (aneurysm) bulges or bursts forcing the brain into a smaller space in the skull
hemiparesis
when one side of your body is not responding properly
subarachnoid hemorrhage
when particular kind of bleeding from an artery under the arachnoid layer of the meninges
-if a patient collapses in pain while clutching his head it could be subarachnoid hemorrhaging
Aphasia (expressive aphasia)
when a patient cannot get the right words out, but can hear and think clearly
receptive aphasia
in this case, a patient can speak clearly but cannot understand what you are saying.
transient ischemic attack
TIA is usually called a mini stroke
-signs all seem to be stroke like (loss of control on one side of body) but body returns to normal within 24 hours.
(small clots could be temporarily blocking circulation to part of the brain)
if symptoms are present it is impossible to distinguish the difference between a mini stroke and a full blown stroke. so take all precautions.
ways to check for stroke
- ask the patient to show teeth
- show tongue
- hold up both arms palms upward with eyes closed
- ask the patient to say “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”
symptoms of a stroke continued…
confusion dizziness numbness loss of bowel or bladder control impaired vision high blood pressure difficult respiration or snoring nausea or vomiting seizures unequal pupils headache loss of vision in one eye unconsciousness
