Understanding Strokes and Their Impact

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What is a primary characteristic of a stroke?

It primarily affects only the cerebellum.
It is a focal neurological disorder with rapid onset. (correct)
It occurs gradually over several days.
It is a chronic disorder affecting multiple areas of the brain.

What percentage of stroke patients are expected to survive the first year after the event?

90%
70% (correct)
30%
50%

What happens to brain cells during a stroke?

They become more active and functional.
They are rapidly repaired with no lasting effects.
They regenerate immediately.
They are attacked at a rate of 1.9 million per minute. (correct)

Which is the deadliest of these conditions?

Stroke (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the affected area of the brain during a stroke?

Infarction (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does a stroke in just the midbrain effect?

Motor function (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which set of arteries is mainly responsible for supplying blood to the anterior part of the brain?

Anterior and middle cerebral arteries (C) Signup and view all the answers

What critical sign is indicated by the acronym FAST when assessing a possible stroke?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors significantly increases the likelihood of experiencing a stroke after age 55?

Age-related risk (D) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)?

A temporary blood clot in the brain (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common mechanism of stroke?

Ischaemia (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes thrombotic strokes?

A blood clot formed in the brain that blocks blood flow (C) Signup and view all the answers

What major factor contributes to the fatality of hemorrhagic strokes?

Simultaneous ischaemic strokes due to reduced blood delivery (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a lifestyle risk factor that can lead to stroke?

Obesity (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does atherosclerosis develop over time?

Accumulation of fatty deposits in arteries (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary risk factor for both types of stroke, ischaemic and hemorrhagic?

Hypertension (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of an embolic stroke?

Blood clot formed elsewhere in the body (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is less commonly associated with strokes?

Persistent fatigue (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome in the first year post-stroke regarding speech?

Mild speech deficits may persist even with therapy. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by difficulty recognizing objects and understanding spatial relations?

Agnosia (B) Signup and view all the answers

What memory-related issue can arise from occlusion of the posterior cerebral artery?

Amnestic syndromes with rapid forgetting. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not associated with executive functioning impairments after a stroke?

Significant memory retention (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common emotional reaction seen in individuals with left hemisphere strokes shortly after the event?

Depression and catastrophic reactions (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which behavioral issue may occur following a stroke, marked by impulsivity and reduced insight?

Poor motivation or apathy (A) Signup and view all the answers

What can be a long-term consequence of depression in stroke survivors?

Higher mortality rates (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is typically observed in individuals with right hemisphere strokes regarding emotional response?

Apathy and indifference (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary risk associated with an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)?

Weak blood vessels prone to leakage (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following treatments could be used to manage an ischaemic stroke?

Endovascular procedures such as clot removal (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cognitive sequelae experienced post-stroke?

Deficits in attention and processing speed (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of deficits are more commonly associated with a right hemisphere infarct?

Visuospatial impairment and constructional apraxia (B) Signup and view all the answers

What defines apraxia in stroke patients?

Inability to perform purposeful movements (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in managing a hemorrhagic stroke?

Control bleeding and manage hypertension (C) Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of stroke patients are reported to have cognitive impairment post-stroke?

11-56% (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role does the nurse practitioner (NP) play in stroke management?

Estimate premorbid intellectual functioning (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements is true regarding speech deficits after a left hemisphere stroke?

One-third of stroke patients have some form of aphasia (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which lifestyle change is suggested for preventing strokes?

Engage in regular exercise and weight management (D) Signup and view all the answers

Stroke

A focal neurological disorder caused by a disruption in the blood supply to a specific area of the brain, resulting in the loss of oxygen, glucose, nutrients, and removal of waste. This rapid event (seconds to hours) affects many brain cells.

Infarction

The area of the brain affected by a stroke due to lack of blood flow.

Stroke Impact

Strokes disproportionately affect women, and although death rates have been reduced, it remains a leading cause of death for women, killing more than breast cancer.

Stroke Location

Strokes can occur anywhere in the brain, requiring different specialties depending on the affected region. Forebrain strokes often necessitate neuropsychological assessments.