Cerebrovascular Accident Overview

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

• CVA: A brain injury caused by disrupted blood flow.
• Left Brain Function: Controls language and analytical skills.
• Right Brain Function: Responsible for creativity and spatial awareness.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Temporary stroke symptoms.
• Coumadin/Warfarin: Anticoagulant to prevent CVA.
• Ischemic Stroke (87%): Caused by blood clots.
  • Embolic Stroke: Clots originate in the heart and travel to the brain.
  • Thrombotic Stroke: Clots form directly in brain arteries.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke: Bleeding within the brain.
  • Intracerebral Stroke: Bleeding within the cerebrum.
  • Subarachnoid Stroke: Bleeding between the arachnoid and pia mater.
• Complete Stroke: No further damage; vital signs stable.
• Stroke in Evolution: Ongoing stroke with worsening symptoms.

Nursing Considerations

• Priority: Ensure airway clearance post-stroke.
• Acute Phase: Stage of stroke where damage occurs.
• Rehab Phase: Post-stroke stage focusing on recovery.
• TPA Profile: Time-sensitive medication given within 3 hours of stroke.

Medications and Monitoring

• Calcium Channel Blocker (nimodipine): Monitor vital signs before administration.
• Fluid Volume Excess Signs (S/S): Adventitious lung sounds indicate fluid buildup.

Stroke and Related Symptoms

• Homonymous Hemianopsia: Vision loss in the same side of both eyes.
• Hyperglycemia and CVA: Stress response raises blood sugar levels.
• Types of Aphasia: Expressive (can't speak) and Receptive (can't understand).

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)

• Arterial PVD: Pain with activity.
• Venous PVD: No pain.
• Varicose Veins Treatment: Vein ligation and stripping.
• Raynaud's Syndrome Teaching: Wear gloves and warm socks.

Post-Surgical Care

• Post-Abdominal Surgery: Assess bowel sounds for peristalsis.
• Arterial Embolism Teaching: Report pain/numbness; protect affected limb.
• Regurgitation Prevention: Eat smaller meals, elevate head after eating.

Digestive Issues and Treatment

• Bowel Regimen: Regular bowel movements are goal to prevent constipation.
• Dysphagia Teaching: Chin tuck and head turn techniques.
• Ginger Contraindication: Prolongs bleeding time.
• Achalasia Teaching: Avoid problematic foods; elevate head during sleep.
• IBS Patient Teaching: Avoid high fiber, caffeine; eat slowly.
• Severe Diarrhea S/S: Fatigue, hypotension, bradycardia.
• Ileostomy: Surgical opening from the small intestine.
• Diverticulosis Risk Factor: Low-fiber diet causes constipation.
• Abdominoperineal Resection Incisions: Three incisions required.
• Hemorrhoidectomy Follow-up: Increase fluids; BRAT diet.

Various Health Conditions

• Bed Rest Complications: Repositioning to prevent complications.
• Hepatic Disorders Monitoring: Watch for ascites and fluid restrictions.
• Ascites Monitoring: Daily weight and abdominal girth measurements.
• Hepatitis Types: -Hepatitis A: Transmitted through food. -Hepatitis B: Transmitted through blood. -Hepatitis C: Transmitted through blood. -Hepatitis D: Pre-existing infection. -Hepatitis E: Transmitted through food.
• CAUTION (Cancer): Signs: Change, Sore, Unusual bleeding, Thickening/lump (breast), Indigestion, Warts/moles change, Nagging cough.
• Cancer Risk Factors: Modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.
• Mycins Adverse Effects: Linked to cardiovascular issues.
• PAP Test: Cervical cancer screening.
• Pre-Colonoscopy: Avoid eating before the procedure.
• Internal Radiation Implant: Visitor restrictions and safety precautions.
• Extravasation: Stop infusion, notify nurse.
• Reverse Transcriptase: Transcribes RNA to DNA in HIV.

HIV Stages

• Acute HIV Infection (2-4 weeks): Flu-like symptoms, rapid virus multiplication.
• Clinical Latency: No major symptoms, CD4 counts decline.
• AIDS: Severe immune system damage, opportunistic infections, CD4 count below 200 cells/mm3.

Autoimmune Disorders

• SLE Classic Sign: Butterfly rash.
• Low Neutrophil Count Precautions: Implement compromised host precautions.
• Pseudomonas Aeruginosa: Normal flora; dangerous in leukemia patients.

Eye Conditions

• Cataracts Symptoms: Cloudiness, halos around lights.
• Glaucoma Types: Open-angle (slow), Closed-angle (rapid increase).

Ear Conditions

• Meniere's Disease: Inner ear disorder, risk of falls.
• Otosclerosis: Inherited hearing loss, young women.
• Presbycusis: Age-related hearing loss.
• Myringotomy: Tube placement through eardrum.
• Cholesteatomas: Cell accumulation in middle ear.

Hypertension

• HTN: Two or more readings >140/90. This implies elevated blood pressure levels.

Medications

• Loop Diuretics: Potassium-rich foods for side effect management.
• Beta-Adrenergic Blockers: Hypoglycemia and orthostatic hypotension side effects.
• Verapamil: Monitor pulse before administration.
• ACE Inhibitors: Schedule lab work for neutrophil count.
• Salt Substitutes: Garlic as alternative in low-sodium diets.

This quiz covers essential information regarding cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), including types of strokes, brain functions affected, and nursing considerations. It emphasizes the significance of understanding stroke symptoms and the necessary interventions for patient care during various phases. Test your knowledge on CVA and improve your nursing practice skills.