Cerebrovascular accident (CVA), also known as stroke, cerebral infarction, brain attack, is any functional or structural abnormality of the brain caused by a pathological condition of the cerebral vessels of the entire cerebrovascular system. It is the sudden impairment of cerebral circulation in one or more blood vessels supplying the brain. This pathology either causes hemorrhage from a tear in the vessel wall or impairs the cerebral circulation by partial or complete occlusion of the vessel lumen with transient or permanent effects. The sooner the circulation returns to normal after a stroke, the better the chances are for a full recovery. However, about half of those who survived a stroke remain disabled permanently and experience the recurrence within weeks, months, or years. Thrombosis, embolism, and hemorrhage are the primary causes of stroke, with thrombosis being the leading cause of both CVAs and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). The most common vessels involved are the carotid arteries and those of the vertebrobasilar system at the base of the brain. A thrombotic CVA causes a slow evolution of symptoms, usually over several hours, and is “completed” when the condition stabilizes. An embolic CVA occurs when a clot is carried into cerebral circulation and causes a localized cerebral infarct. Hemorrhagic CVA is caused by other conditions such as a ruptured aneurysm, hypertension, arteriovenous (AV) malformations, or other bleeding disorders. The primary nursing care plan goals for patients with stroke depend on the phase of CVA the client is in. During the acute phase of CVA, efforts should focus on survival needs and prevent further complications. Care revolves around efficient continuing neurologic assessment, support of respiration, continuous monitoring of vital signs, careful positioning to avoid aspiration and contractures, management of GI problems, and monitoring of electrolyte and nutritional status. Nursing care should also include measures to prevent complications. NOTE: This nursing care plan is recently updated with new content and a change in formatting. Nursing assessment and nursing interventions are listed in bold and followed by their specific rationale in the following line. Still, when writing nursing care plans, follow the format here. Risk for Ineffective Cerebral Tissue PerfusionThe goals for this nursing diagnosis include decreasing the risk of ineffective cerebral tissue perfusion. Nursing Diagnosis
Risk factors may includeCommon risk factors for this nursing diagnosis:
Common goals and expected outcomes:
Interventions for this diagnosis include ways to decrease the risk of cerebral perfusion related to stroke or transient ischemic attack. Also, note that some treatment modalities are different for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. As always, please individualize your nursing care plans and choose interventions appropriate to your client. Nursing Assessment and RationalesThe following is a nursing assessment guide for this cerebrovascular accident (stroke) nursing care plan. 1. Assess airway patency and respiratory pattern. 2. Assess factors related to decreased cerebral perfusion and the potential for increased intracranial pressure (ICP). 3. Recognize the clinical manifestations of a transient ischemic attack (TIA). 4. Frequently assess and monitor neurological status.
Alternatively, you can use the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale to help guide you through assessment. 5. Monitor changes in blood pressure, compare BP readings in both arms. 6.
Monitor heart rate and rhythm, assess for murmurs. 7. Monitor respirations, noting patterns and rhythm, Cheyne-Stokes respiration. 8. Monitor computed tomography scan. 9. Evaluate pupils, noting size, shape, equality, light
reactivity. 10. Document changes in vision: reports of blurred vision, alterations in the visual field, depth perception. 11. Assess higher functions, including speech, if the patient is alert. 12. Assess for nuchal rigidity, twitching, increased
restlessness, irritability, the onset of seizure activity. Nursing Interventions and RationalesHere are the nursing interventions for this stroke nursing care plan. 1. Screen the patient for stroke risk. 2. Position
with head slightly elevated and in a neutral position. 3. Maintain bedrest, provide a quiet and relaxing environment, restrict visitors and activities. Cluster nursing interventions and provide rest periods between care activities. Limit duration of procedures. 4. Prevent straining at stool, holding breath, physical exertion. 5. Stress smoking cessation. 6. Administer supplemental oxygen as indicated. 7. Administer medications as indicated: 7.1.
Thrombolytics: Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), recombinant tPA (rt-PA) (Alteplase) 7.2. Anticoagulants: warfarin sodium (Coumadin), low-molecular-weight heparin (Lovenox) 7.3. Antiplatelet agents: aspirin (ASA), dipyridamole (Persantine), ticlopidine (Ticlid) 7.4. Antifibrinolytics: aminocaproic acid (Amicar) 7.5. Antihypertensives:
ACE-Inhibitors, Diuretics 7.6. Peripheral
vasodilators: cyclandelate (Cyclospasmol), papaverine (Pavabid), isoxsuprine (Vasodilan). 7.7. Neuroprotective agents: calcium channel blockers, excitatory amino acid inhibitors,
gangliosides. 7.8. Phenytoin (Dilantin), phenobarbital. 7.9. Stool softeners. 8. Monitor laboratory studies as indicated: prothrombin time (PT),
activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and Dilantin level. 9. Prepare for surgery, as appropriate: endarterectomy, microvascular bypass, cerebral angioplasty. Recommended nursing diagnosis and nursing care plan books and resources. Disclosure: Included below are affiliate links from Amazon at no additional cost from you. We may earn a small commission from your purchase. For more information, check out our privacy policy. The following are the references and recommended sources for stroke nursing care plans and nursing diagnosis, including interesting resources to further your reading about the topic: |