Stroke and Acquired brain function

Question 1

What is a stroke?

Answer 1

essentially it is the interruption of blood supply to an area of the brain either due to a thrombus or a bleed.

Question 2

How are the 2 types of strokes divided?

Answer 2

by the pathology that underlies them

Question 3

what are the 2 types of stroke?

Answer 3

Ischemic
Haemorrhagic

Question 4

What is an Ischemic stroke?

Answer 4

it arises from a blockage in the cerebral arteries due to vascular disorders such as atherosclerosis or thrombus.

Question 5

What is a haemorrhagic stroke?

Answer 5

It arises from a bleed in one of the arteries either in the subarachnoid space or within the substance of the brain itself.

Question 6

Name a statistic of stroke

Answer 6

in 2019, 66% of deaths due to stroke were ischemic events.

Question 7

what are some risk factors of strokes

Answer 7

Hypertension
high cholesterol
smoking
alcohol excess

Question 8

how can hypertension increase the risk of stroke?

Answer 8

because it damages blood vessels overtime making them more susceptible to blockages or ruptures

Question 9

how can smoking increase the likelihood of having a stroke.

Answer 9

damages blood vessels and increases the likelihood of blood clots forming.

Question 10

how does high cholesterol lead to an increased risk of stroke?

Answer 10

as it leads to a build up of plaques in the artery walls ultimately narrowing them which increases the risk of clots.

Question 11

How does alcohol excess contribute to an increased risk of stroke?

Answer 11

as it raises blood pressure causing the individual to be more susceptible to heart disease which is another factor contributing to strokes

Question 12

what are the treatment options for ischemic strokes?

Answer 12

1. administer fibrinolytic drugs to break down the thrombus
2. catheter based procedure to remove the thrombus requiring specialist neuroradiological resources

Question 13

what are the treatment options for a haemorrhagic stroke?

Answer 13

1. catheter based approach to pack the aneurysm with endovascular coils = this is the preferred option
2. surgical approach to clip the aneurysm

Question 14

Explain the rehabilitation pathway in acute stroke care.

Answer 14

immediate care in A&E
Acute care - can be in ITU, neuro centre or acute stroke unit
rehabilitation
supported discharge
community reintegration
integrated care planning.

Question 15

What is the nurses role in acute stroke care?

Answer 15

Early nurse and therapist assessment
early swallow assessment
nutritional management
administer iv fluids and aspirin

Question 16

Nurses role when working with stroke sufferers

Answer 16

educate patient and family about condition and treatment options
early recognition of stroke, signs and symptoms

Question 17

interventions put in place for stroke care

Answer 17

patients to be positioned sat up at least 30 degrees
suction set up at bedside
GCS must be assessed to determine level of consciousness
Monitor and implement approaches to maintain blood pressure i.e. fluid management

Question 18

What is Acquired brain injury?

Answer 18

traumatic and other causes of brain injury related to an event

Question 19

What is traumatic brain injury?

Answer 19

usually as a result of trauma to the head

Question 20

examples of traumatic brain injury

Answer 20

falls
road traffic accident
assaults

Question 21

what are the 3 classifications of traumatic brain injury

Answer 21

mild
moderate
severe

Question 22

mild brain injury

Answer 22

• GCS 12-15
• short period unconsciousness
• quick recovery

Question 23

moderate brain injury

Answer 23

• GSC 9-12
• 15mins - 6hrs unconscious
• likely recovery, may be left with disability

Question 24

severe brain injury

Answer 24

• GCS 9 and under
• Unconscious 6+ hours
• limited recovery