UNDERSTANDING THE CONSEQUENCES OF POOR CIRCULATION / QUIZ QUESTIONS



 

The consequences of poor circulation

Poor circulation may occur for a number of reasons.
Any obstruction to the flow of blood may lead to conditions
such as stroke, heart failure, and or renal failure .The 
diabetetic patient is also at risk.

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

Identifying strokes and treatment

A stroke may be hemorrhagic (caused by bleeding) or
ischemic (embolic) caused by a clot or plaque in a blood
vessel. 

Bleeding ( hemorrhagic) into the brain may be caused
by trauma or rupture of a blood vessel due to high
blood pressure. ICP monitoring may be necessary for 
the patient with a hemorrhagic stroke.

In the case of an embolic stroke, a blood clot may
obstruct the flow of blood in the brain. This will also
affect oxygen to the brain.

Embolic strokes are usually treated with drugs such
as TPA ( Tissue Plasminogenic Activator). Antihypertensive
drugs and anti- seizure medications may also be ordered.


Reperfusion Therapy and its uses

Reperfusion Therapy is a form of treatment that
is used for patients who have a myocardial infarction
(MI) with STEMI. Typically, the patient with a
completely blocked coronary artery, would
demonstrate STEMI on the EKG.

TPA ( Thrombolytic Plasminogen Activator)
is not only used for reperfusion in patients
who had a myocardial infarction, it is also
used in the treatment of embolic strokes.

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Are there ways to prevent a stroke?

Research suggests that there are ways to prevent a stroke.
Seeking medical advice for the layperson is important.



Scenario: Tom is a 35 year old male who had open
heart surgery two weeks ago.Wound healing has been
difficult because his blood sugars have been hard to
control.

Questions have been raised about family members 
bringing him snacks. Tom and family will need teaching.

It is important for the nurse to recognize that poor healing 
may occur in the diabetic patient.
Documentation of wound healing should be addressed.


Retinopathy a complication of diabetes

Retinopathy is another complication of diabetes.
Poor vision and possibly blindness may result, as
the blood vessels become weak and leaking occurs. 
Patient and family education
is necessary.
                                                  Patients with diabetes, may be at risk for cerebrovascular
                                                  disease and possibly stroke.

Quiz questions

1) What health problems can occur from poor circulation?
2) What are the different types of strokes?
3 ) What does TPA mean?
4) What are the uses of TPA?
5) What is retinopathy?

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