WHAT IS A STROKE?


What is a stroke?
A stroke is also known as a brain attack.

What kind of strokes are there?
It may be hemorrhagic (caused by bleeding) or ischemic (embolic) caused by a clot or plaque in a blood vessel. Bleeding into the brain may be caused by trauma or rupture of a blood vessel due to high blood pressure. In an embolic stroke, a blood clot may obstruct the flow of blood in the brain.

How is a stroke diagnosed?
A CAT scan or MRI are diagnostics tests done to confirm the diagnosis.




Why is ICP Monitoring done?
Intracranial Pressure (ICP) Monitoring is done to monitor the ICP and take measures to decrease brain swelling. This may be done by medications such as Mannitol or insertion of an EVD through the Foramen Magnum at the base of the skull to prevent herniation caused by untreated brain swelling.

What are the roles of health care providers?
The doctor orders vital signs, frequency of ICP recordings, pain, and other medications. The nurse has an important role in assessing and documenting the patient's neurological status, vital signs, and oxygen saturation, intake, and output.Significant changes of any kind should be reported to the doctor. The brain injured patient, benefits from adequate rest, as this helps to prevent secondary injury to the brain.
Cranial nerves

What does EVD stand for, and what is it used for?
EVD stands for External Ventricular Device and is used to drain excess fluid in the ventricle to help prevent brain swelling and more damage to the brain.
After a stroke

How is insertion of an EVD done?
Under sterile conditions, the neurosurgeon shaves an area of the head and cleanses the skin. A device similar to a wall drill is used to penetrate the skill and access the ventricle. A sterile catheter is placed in the ventricle and a drainage system is attached.
Enjoy watching the video:
The New Nurse- ICP Monitoring

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HELPFUL INFORMATION ABOUT AN AORTIC ABDOMINAL ANEURYSM

Image
  Scenario: Mr. S is an elderly male who has a longstanding history of hypertension. He suddenly develops throbbing  in the abdomen. He notified his doctor and was admitted to the hospital for tests. A CAT scan would reveal an  Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Surgical intervention for AAA was done emergently. Following surgery, Mr.S was transferred to the ICU  for a higher level of care. During his stay, his vital  signs, neurological, cardiac and respiratory status   would all be monitored. Please click on the links for more learning: Hemodynamic Monitoring Info for the layperson
Read more

CARDIOGENIC SHOCK - QUIZ QUESTIONS

Image
Myocardial infarction A heart attack is the layman's term for a (MI) myocardial infarction.     It is caused by  a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle. A blood clot  or plaque, may obstruct the flow of blood. This typically occurs in the    patient with CAD (   coronary artery disease) .  Symptoms include:                           chest pain which may radiate to the shoulder and jaw, pressure or                                                             tightness in the chest, anxiety, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath.                                                                                                              Cardiogenic shock The left ventricle receives its blood supply from the LAD ( left anterior descending) artery. If the flow of blood to the left ventricle is obstructed by a clot or plaque, part  of the heart muscle may die. This lack of blood flow to the left ventricle causes pump failure. Cardiogenic shock may result from pump failure.     
Read more

CHEST PAIN ASSESSMENT AND EKG - QUIZ

Image
Chest pain is a very common complaint . It may occur anywhere and anytime, even at rest. It may be related to stress or actual damage to the heart. A patient having a heart attack, may very readily complain of chest pain. Helpful hints: If the patient in your care is complaining of chest pain,   immediate action should be taken to assess the pain. Chest pain may be sharp, severe and stabbing. It may also feel like pressure in the chest or  Like a pair of hands squeezing the chest.  It is important to do a pain assessment on a scale of 1-10 and document results. It is also of note to ask the patient to describe the character  and duration of the pain. Always remember to document all interventions. Follow your Institution's policies, procedures and MD orders for chest pain. Do you know your heart Simple EKG interpretation: The EKG (Electrocardiogram) is a noninvasive, simple diagnostic test. It is  a reflection of  the electrical conduction system of the heart. It consists of 12 lead
Read more