Stroke

Question 1

What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke?

Answer 1

sudden numbness or
weakness in face, arm
or leg
trouble speaking
confusion
dizziness
trouble walking
loss of balance
lack of coordination
difficulty
understanding speech
trouble seeing out of
one eye or both

Question 2

What are the causes of a stroke?

Answer 2

hypotension, blocked vessel, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, age, gender, genetics, ethnicity

Question 3

What is the pathophysiology of a stoke?

Answer 3

blood flow is disrupted to a portion of the brain
ischaemic cascade of events and biochemical. reactions initiated within the brain
inflammation
death of neurons
loss of perfusion to part of the brain
ischaemic neurons depolarised
ATP is depleted and membrane ions transport system fails
neurotransmitters are released through influx of calcium
excitatory receptors on other neurons activated
neurons depolarised
further influx of calcium/further
neuronal excitation
neuronal damage is exacerbated by
excessive calcium influx
released destructive enzymes –
release of free radical – presence of
potent chemical mediators
ischaemic areas
functional loss

Question 4

What are some nursing interventions and rationale for a stroke?

Answer 4

Maintain head at 30
degrees to facilitate
jugular venous drainage
and help reduce
intracranial pressure
Ensure that the patient
is kept NBM until
swallow test is
completed to prevent
aspiration of food and
fluids
Administer aspirin as
prescribed to impede
clotting and prevent further ischaemia
Administer O2 as
prescribed to reduce
hypoxia risk