CVA Flashcards
Define the term CVA
Reduction of cerebral blood flow and oxygen causing brain cell damage
The most common cause of CVA are?
Embolism, hemorrhage, thrombus
What are the 8 signs of CVA?
Compliant complaints of
- )headache,
- ) hypertension,
- ), nausea
- ) nuchal rigidity,,
- ) slow bounding pulse
- ) Cheyne-strokes respirations!
- ) speech changes,
- ) facial droop,
What is the difference between CVA and TIA?
TIA isA temporary period. Of Neurological deficit. It has similar signs a CVA, but the symptoms will all resolve.
What is agnosia?
Inability to use an object correctly
Expressive aphasia occurs when
Client cannot communicate properly (Aphasia can be expressive or receptive )
If the left hemisphere is affected u will see weakness on ___ side
Right
If the right hemisphere is affected u will see weakness on ___ side
Left
Remember to place the client’s belongings on ___ side
Unaffected
The test used to determine a CVA are?
CT
EEG
cerebral arteriography
What are the nursing assessments
- )Neuro checks
- ) check swallowing ability
- ) watch for seizures and ICP
- ) monitor VS
What complication of the eyes can a client with a CVA have
Corneal abrasion because lacrimal glands will not produce secretions
What is the activity level for this client
Strict bed rest
How should the room environment be?
Quiet, peaceful and objects within reach
How do you position the CVA client?
Turn every 2hrs on unaffected side
20 minutes on affected side and make sure to elevate affected extremities
Why would a thrombolytic be given
To dissolve clots
Don’t give thrombolytic if the cause is
Hemorrhage
What other medications may be prescribed to treat A CVA?
- ) anti-hypertension
- ) Anti-coagulants ( not for hemorrhage stroke)
- ) anti-convulsants
Do anti-coagulants like Coumadin and aspirin dissolve clots?
No they only thin the blood, they do not dissolve clots
Patient with a hemorrhagic stroke or a Increased risk for which complication?
Seizures due to possible bleeding in the cerebral cortex
