Nursing Care Plan for Stroke Patients

Nursing Care Plan For Stroke Patient

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, leading to the deprivation of oxygen and nutrients to brain cells in that area. The interruption in blood flow can be caused by a blood clot blocking a blood vessel called an ischemic stroke or by a ruptured blood vessel causing bleeding into the brain called a hemorrhagic stroke. When the brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen and nutrients due to the interrupted blood supply, brain cells begin to die within minutes. This can lead to various neurological deficits depending on the area of the brain affected by the stroke and the patient may put the burden on their family members. There is a need for a proper nursing care plan for stroke in which qualified and trained nurses will take care of stroke patients in the comfort of their homes.

 

Stroke Symptoms:

The acronym FAST is commonly used to help identify the symptoms of a stroke and take immediate action. Here’s a breakdown of the symptoms associated with each letter:

F: Face sinking or uneven smile: One side of the face may sink, making it difficult for the person to smile or move their mouth or eye properly.

A: Arm weakness: The person may experience weakness or numbness in one arm, making it challenging to lift both arms and keep them in place.

S: Speech difficulties: Speech may be unclear, or distorted or the person may have difficulty finding the right words. They may find difficulty in understanding what others are saying.

T: Time to call emergency services: If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to call emergency services immediately. Time is of real importance when it comes to stroke and immediate medical attention can help to reduce potential damage and improve outcomes. That’s why it is important to make a complete nursing care plan for stroke especially when a person with these symptoms is present in your home because if you suspect someone is having a stroke, it’s best to act quickly and seek medical help.

It’s important to note that not all stroke cases present the same symptoms, and some individuals may experience additional signs such as sudden severe headache, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, confusion, or trouble with vision.

 

Stroke Risk Factor:

Following are the risk factors that can contribute to stroke include:

Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of blood clots.

Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the likelihood of other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Physical inactivity: Leading a sedentary lifestyle without regular exercise can contribute to high blood pressure, obesity, and other risk factors for stroke.

Drug abuse: Using unnecessary drugs, particularly stimulants such as cocaine or amphetamines can lead to stroke by causing blood vessel constriction or rupture.

Family history and genetics: Having a family history of stroke or certain genetic conditions can increase the risk.

Age and gender: The risk of stroke increases with age and men tend to have a higher risk than women. However, the risk equalizes in older age groups.

Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can increase the risk of stroke, including heart disease, peripheral artery disease, sleep apnea, and autoimmune disorders.

It’s important to note that while these factors increase the likelihood of having a stroke, they do not guarantee that a stroke will occur. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing underlying medical conditions, and receiving appropriate medical care can significantly reduce the risk of stroke.

 

Treatment for Ischemic Stroke:

Medications: The primary goal is to restore blood flow to the brain. Medications such as tissue plasminogen activator can be administered to dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow. This treatment is time-sensitive and is most effective when given within a few hours of the stroke’s onset.

Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Drugs: Medications like aspirin or clopidogrel are often prescribed to prevent further clot formation. Anticoagulants like warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) may be used to prevent clot formation in certain cases.

Supportive Care: Other medications may be given to manage related complications such as high blood pressure, fever, or seizures. Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins may be prescribed to reduce the risk of future strokes.

 

Treatment for Hemorrhagic Stroke:

Surgical Interventions: In cases where bleeding is severe, surgery may be necessary to remove the blood clot or repair a ruptured blood vessel.

Medications: Medications may be used to manage blood pressure and prevent seizures. In some cases, hemostatic medications or reversal agents may be given to control bleeding or counteract the effects of anticoagulant medications.

Supportive Care: Monitoring and support for vital signs, breathing, and other essential functions are crucial. Intracranial pressure may be managed through medications or other interventions to reduce brain swelling.

 

Nursing care plan for Stroke:

Home Nursing Services provide patients with the same quality of care as hospitals or nursing homes. PlanCare’s idea of home care nursing is to provide you with the same quality of care as you would receive from a hospital or nursing home.

There are many benefits that come along with these types of services. Some include:

A professional team of trained nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals makes a proper nursing care plan for stroke to assist patients with their daily activities. This can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. The services offered by these individuals will help you become as independent as possible so that you can continue living a normal life without having to rely on others for your care. Personalized care for stroke patients will be provided by the nursing staff at their home who will work with patients to ensure that they meet their needs.

All of these benefits make home nursing services a viable option for those who need medical attention but do not want to or cannot leave their home. If you are interested in learning more about the services that are available to you, please contact PlanCare today. We would be happy to provide you with more information and answer any questions that you may have.

 

Rehabilitation:

After the acute treatment phase, stroke rehabilitation becomes a crucial part of recovery. It typically includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other interventions tailored to address specific impairments caused by the stroke. PlanCare home care nursing aims to promote independence, improve mobility, regain speech and cognitive abilities, and enhance overall quality of life.

For more information, visit our website plancare.pk or Call 0304 1111949.