Stroke Flashcards
Medications a patient might receive after being discharged
Amlodipine - antihypertensive
Simvastatin – lipid lowering agent
Aspirin - antiplatelet, antipyretic, nonopioid analgesic/salicylate
Clopridogrel – (Plavix) anti platelet agent
Lisinopril - antihypertensive (ace inhibitor)
Tamsulosin – Flomax
Why would a patient be placed on clopidogrel post-CVA?
Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet agent that are typically prescribed for patients who just had a recent stroke. However, combining clopidogrel with aspirin has been proven and is beneficial in preventing a subsequent stroke, since having another stroke is very likely.
Are there treatments that can be initiated in the ED to stop a CVA from progressing?
If it is determined that a CVA has occurred in a patient after doing a CAT Scan, especially after an ischemic stroke, the patient will be given a tissue plasminogen activator, such a as, alteplase, a thrombolytic for acute ischemic stroke, to help dissolve the blood clot.
Why would the initial CT scan be negative for stroke?
Sometimes the CT scan cannot pick up on an occlusion of a major cerebral blood vessel (clot), in the case of an ischemic stroke because it is done too soon, and cell death does not occur immediately after a CVA.
What multiple ways of knowing will help you with “clues” to suggest the cause for a CVA?
The best clue to follow are those of the acronym F.A.S.T. The patient’s face is drooping on the left side. The next clue for this patient is, arm weakness, and in this case experiencing left hand weakness. The next clue that is presenting for this patient is that of having trouble saying words, therefore, he is having problems with his speech. And finally, we are being clued in that this patient is experiencing a CVA, because it is time to call 911 for help!
A modified barium swallow study is ordered for what?
this will allow the speech pathologist and occupational therapist to determine whether it is safe for the patient to have solid foods
