Stroke Treatment Flashcards
ABCs of life support
–check airway
–check breathing
–check circulation
CT scans and strokes
–without contrast to exclude hemorrhage
–better than MRI in acute stage (provides better detail and images, but takes longer than CT)
fibrinolytics
remove thrombi after they have formed
example of thrombolytic
Alteplase (tPA)
MOA of alteplase
promotes conversion of plasminogen to plasmin
uses for alteplase
–acute MI
–PE
–ischemic stroke
route for alteplase
–IV (monitor BP and HR)
adverse effects of alteplase
increased risk of intracranial bleeding
antidote for alteplase
aminocaproic acid (Amicar)
penumbra procedure
go in and try to remove the clot
left brain consequences of strokes
–logic
–verbal
–detail
–science
–names
–math
–form strategies
–order
–thinking
–write
right brain consequences of stroke
–pictures
–stories
–“big picture”
–observation
–shapes
–music
–patterns
–beauty
–imagination
–possibilities
swallowing and strokes
always evaluate for aspiration before giving anything P.O.
motor and sensory deficits with strokes
–neglect = no sensory input
–flaccidity: contralateral side
–spasticity: within 6 weeks
–visual disturbances (contralateral field blindness – homonymous hemianopia)
language problems post-stroke
–aphasia
–dysphasia
–dysarthria
–word finding problems
–incorrect use of verbs or nouns
–expressive aphasia
–receptive aphasia
aphasia
some degree of inability to speak or to comprehend
dysphasia
impairment of speech
dysarthria
imperfect speech sounds
expressive aphasia
comprehension intact but cannot express
receptive aphasia
can communicate but cannot comprehend what is being said
memory problems with strokes
remembering names, words, objects
behavioral problems with post-strokes
–decreased emotional response
–may underestimate own abilities
–slow reaction times
–hesitant and cautious
–may be apathetic, confused, and disoriented
