Pesponse – Disorders of the Central Nervous System – Stroke

Disorders of the Central Nervous System – Stroke

Hello,

Your discussion regarding the FAST method for stroke assessment is both simple and relevant in helping nurses identify cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) in their early stages. This approach focuses on proactive measures whenever symptoms are evident since early intervention can help improve the status of patients. According to Meyran et al. (2020), the time-sensitive nature of stroke intervention should be stressed to reduce vulnerabilities and increase the odds of the desired outcomes. In addition, neurological examination, the GCS, and the recording of physiological parameters are essential tools used to evaluate the severity of stroke and the subsequent management. Additional tests like non-contrast CT scans and MRI scans are important in determining the kind and the area affected by the stroke so that an effective treatment plan can be prepared (Aderinto et al., 2023).

Your inclusion of common risk factors and the importance of obtaining a thorough patient history is a crucial aspect of stroke assessment and management. Also, understanding the patient’s medical history and risk factors can aid in identifying the underlying causes of the stroke and tailoring the treatment accordingly. However, as stated and discussed earlier, the application of thrombolytic therapy for ischemic strokes can greatly enhance the outcomes for the patients. Therefore, the preparation of the client for the diagnostic tests and the nurse overseeing their condition is an important facet in the care plan and management of stroke clients.

In sum, your discussion is well organized and systematically covers the areas of stroke assessment and management, including assessment using the FAST, careful neurological check, and the significance of early intervention in stroke management. Great work!

References

Aderinto, N., Olatunji, D., Abdulbasit, M., & Edun, M. (2023). The essential role of neuroimaging in diagnosing and managing cerebrovascular disease in Africa: A review. Annals of Medicine (Helsinki)/Annals of Medicine, 55(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/07853890.2023.2251490

Meyran, D., Cassan, P., Avau, B., Singletary, E., & Zideman, D. A. (2020). Stroke recognition for first aid providers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cureus, 12(11). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.11386

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

We’ll write everything from scratch

Module 02 Discussion – Disorders of the Central Nervous System (CNS)

When a nurse suspects the onset of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke, the nurse should quickly conduct a focused assessment using the FAST method, which stands for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. Ask the client to smile and check for facial drooping. Request the client to raise both arms and observe for weakness (Ignatavicius & Workman, 2021). Assess speech by asking the client to repeat a simple phrase and listening for slurred or unusual speech. If any signs are present, act immediately to get emergency help.

Disorders of the Central Nervous System – Stroke

Beyond the FAST method, a comprehensive neurological assessment should be performed. This includes checking the client’s level of consciousness using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), which evaluates eye, verbal, and motor responses. Scores range from 3 to 15, with lower scores indicating more severe impairment. Vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature should also be monitored because hypertension is common in acute strokes (Silvestri & Silvestri, 2020). Additionally, ask about when the symptoms started, how long they have lasted, if they had similar episodes before, and if they have risk factors like high blood pressure. diabetes, smoking, or atrial fibrillation.
The nurse should also prepare the client for diagnostic tests, which typically include a non-contrast CT scan or MRI of the head to confirm the stroke’s presence, type, and location (Ignatavicius & Workman, 2021). Blood tests like glucose levels, coagulation studies, and a complete blood count are standard to rule out other conditions and prepare for treatment. Early intervention, such as giving thrombolytic therapy for ischemic strokes, can significantly improve outcomes.

References

Ignatavicius, D. D., & Workman, M. L. (2021). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care (10th ed.). Elsevier.