Symptoms Associated with CVA’s

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Fall 2023 (2R8)

The goal of this assignment is to foster clinical practice skills and facilitate the learning objectives in the understanding of Cerebral Vascular Accidents (CVA’s); along with the nursing responsibility as noted from the neurological lecture.

Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand what is included in a detailed neuro assessment including use of the NIH stroke scale.
  • Describe the basic assessment related to protection of airway and swallowing in CVA patients.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of CVA specific medications used in acute patient management of

CVA patients.

  • Describe the purpose of CT scan as the first patient treatment modality in the plan of care.
  • Demonstrate use of research to validate your answers and medication treatment response.
  • Demonstrate use of APA scientific writing to support writing and reference.

Medications to Review ● Diltiazem Hydrochloride ● Hydralazine ● TPA ● ASA ● Coumadin

Assignment Directions:

  • Thoroughly answer each question based off learned lecture information and individual research. Answers with required referencing should be in APA format; regarding in-text citations and reference section. If a reference is not requested for a question, each answer MUST be in your own words. (NOT copied from a book)
  • Download THIS entire Word document and answer the questions in one colored font of your choice beside black.
  • Each question MUST have a minimum of 75 words and maximum of 150. The goal is to compose answers correctly and concisely.
  • Upload this entire document into the 212 Gero “CVA Assignment” section by the due date of November 13th, 2023 by midnight.
  • Late assignments WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED and you will receive a zero.

Name:

 

Questions:

 

  1. Compare and contrast the pathophysiological processes involved in the following types of cerebral vascular accidents

 

  1. Transient Ischemic attack (TIA) –
  2. Ischemic-
  3. Hemorrhagic –

 

2.What common risk factors contribute to the above types of CVA? And why?

3.What are physical signs and symptoms associated with CVA’s?

4.What is the overall goal of medical therapy during the treatment of patient’s experiencing an acute CVA?

5.Describe the components of a full neurological assessment.

6.How would you assess the patient using the NIH stroke scale?

  1. How are the results of a head CT scan used to determine medical therapy in the acute patient experiencing CVA symptoms? Why is CT scan the most important and first intervention?

 

8a. Describe the Pharmacodynamics only of the listed medications below: (Use a drug reference guide; either book, web or ‘up to date’ for your answers. Be sure to list the reference used in the reference section).

  1. Warfarin
  2. Hydralazine
  3. Diltiazem
  4. TPA
  5. ASA

8b. For the above medications, list the following for each medication, include:

  • Indications for use
  • Risks of use
  • Potential complications
  • Contraindications
  • Antidotes

*Leave question 8b in bullet point format. Do not create paragraph’s. *

Example Answer:

 

Warfarin

  • Indications for use –
  • Risks of use –
  • Potential complications –
  • Contraindications –
  • Antidotes –

 

  1. What potential complications may result in a patient following an acute CVA? How would the nurse manage each complication? (List at least 2 potential complications).

 

 

  1. What nursing interventions are designed to prevent each complication you have listed above. *Remember interventions MUST be actionable* (Answer this question using APA format which includes in-text citations and a proper reference section. No more than 300 words.)

symptoms associated with CVA's

  1. Compare and contrast the pathophysiological processes involved in the following types of cerebral vascular accidents:

a. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA):

  • TIA is a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain.
  • It does not cause permanent brain damage.
  • Typically resolves within 24 hours.

b. Ischemic Stroke:

  • Ischemic strokes are caused by a blockage (e.g., blood clot) in a brain artery.
  • They result in a lack of oxygen and nutrients to brain tissue.
  • Can lead to permanent damage if not treated promptly.

c. Hemorrhagic Stroke:

  • Hemorrhagic strokes occur due to the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain.
  • Blood leaks into the brain tissue, causing pressure and damage.
  • Often more severe and potentially fatal compared to ischemic strokes.
  1. Common risk factors contributing to the above types of CVA include hypertension, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and a family history of stroke. These risk factors can lead to vascular changes or clot formation, increasing the likelihood of stroke.
  2. Physical signs and symptoms associated with CVA’s include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, severe headache, loss of balance, and altered consciousness.
  3. The overall goal of medical therapy during the treatment of patients experiencing an acute CVA is to restore blood flow to the brain tissue promptly and minimize brain damage. This can involve clot-dissolving medications (like TPA for ischemic strokes) or surgery (for hemorrhagic strokes).
  4. A full neurological assessment includes evaluating mental status, cranial nerve function, motor and sensory function, coordination, and reflexes.
  5. The NIH Stroke Scale assesses stroke severity based on specific criteria, including level of consciousness, motor function, gaze, visual fields, facial palsy, motor arm, motor leg, limb ataxia, sensory, language, and speech.
  6. A head CT scan is essential in determining the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) and its location. This information guides medical therapy decisions and helps rule out other conditions that may mimic stroke symptoms.

8a. Pharmacodynamics of listed medications: a. Warfarin – Anticoagulant b. Hydralazine – Vasodilator c. Diltiazem – Calcium channel blocker d. TPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator) – Thrombolytic agent e. ASA (Aspirin) – Antiplatelet agent

8b. Medication details:

  • Indications for use
  • Risks of use
  • Potential complications
  • Contraindications
  • Antidotes
  1. Potential complications following an acute CVA include aspiration pneumonia and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Management may involve respiratory support, aspiration precautions, and DVT prophylaxis.
  2. Nursing interventions to prevent complications:
  • Aspiration pneumonia prevention includes assessing swallowing function, providing appropriate diets, and ensuring proper positioning during meals.
  • DVT prevention involves early mobilization, compression stockings, and anticoagulant therapy when indicated.
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