Reducing the risk of stroke, Specialist Stroke Care, Common Effects of Stroke Flashcards
(26 cards)
What lifestyle factors increase the risk of stroke?
Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, diet high in salt and saturated fats, obesity, lack of exercise, and recreational drug use.
What medical conditions increase the risk of stroke?
Previous stroke or TIA, high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and atrial fibrillation.
How can stroke risk be reduced?
By modifying lifestyle factors and treating medical conditions. Exercise and lifestyle modifications are important ways to reduce stroke risk.
What are the advantages of being admitted to a stroke unit?
Specialized multidisciplinary stroke care, increased recovery rate, reduced death and dependency, specialist trained staff, early assessment, coordinated weekly meetings, early goal setting, early assessment of discharge needs, and routine provision of information.
Why are multidisciplinary teams important in stroke units?
They have specialist skills in stroke care, hold regular weekly meetings that improve patient outcomes, and provide comprehensive assessment and treatment.
How do stroke units improve patient outcomes compared to general medical wards?
They increase recovery rates and reduce death and dependency through specialized care, early assessment, goal setting, and involvement of patients in their treatment plans.
What are the common effects of stroke?
Altered levels of consciousness, muscle weakness, loss of feeling/sensation, changes in vision, altered speech, impaired swallowing, altered skin integrity, issues with bladder and bowels, altered thinking processes, changes in behavior, and emotional changes.
What issues might result from these common stroke effects?
Difficulties with moving and handling, altered safety awareness, and difficulties in carrying out activities of daily living.
How might stroke affect consciousness?
Stroke may cause drowsiness or loss of consciousness.
What basic assessment should be performed if a stroke patient is unconscious?
Staff should check ABC: determine whether their Airway is clear, that they are Breathing, and that they have a pulse (Circulation).
Why is proper management of unconsciousness important for stroke patients?
Proper management makes individuals less likely to suffer irreversible brain damage due to lack of oxygen and blood supply to their brain.
What are the effects of facial muscle weakness after stroke?
Drooling, difficulty smiling, loose-fitting dentures, facial asymmetry, altered body image, food lodging in cheek, and slurred speech (dysarthria).
What can help manage food lodging in the cheek?
Encourage the person to position food on the unaffected side of their mouth and regularly check their mouth for food residue.
What is dysarthria?
Dysarthria is slurred speech due to weakness of the muscles used to speak. Therapy may include exercises to improve lip strength.
What leg movement issues can occur after stroke?
Clonus (involuntary rapid movement), difficulty standing, pain limiting movement, altered muscle tone (high or low), increased risk of thrombosis, difficulty walking, and spasticity.
What is clonus and how can it be managed?
Clonus is an involuntary rapid movement in the leg resulting from high tone muscles being stretched, commonly seen in the calf. It can be managed by slowly lifting the foot at the ankle to stretch the calf and carefully replacing the foot back on the ground so weight goes through the heel.
What is spasticity in the leg?
Spasticity is a form of abnormally high muscle tone resulting in tightness and stiffness in the leg. In severe cases, it may limit movement available in the leg.
How can the risk of thrombosis be reduced in stroke patients?
Encouraging movement can help reduce the risk of thrombosis. Note that compression stockings are not routinely recommended for prevention of deep vein thrombosis after stroke.
What arm movement issues can occur after stroke?
Altered muscle tone (typically flexor pattern), spasticity, contractures, pain, subluxation (partial dislocation), and swelling/edema.
What is the typical “flexor pattern” in the arm after stroke?
A flexor pattern occurs when high tone in the arm results in the arm being bent up towards the chest with a clenched fist.
What is subluxation and why does it occur after stroke?
Subluxation is a partial dislocation of a joint that occurs as a result of muscle weakness and abnormal muscle tone. It is most commonly seen in the shoulder joint after stroke and can be exacerbated by poor moving and handling skills and lack of support for the arm.
What causes swelling/edema in the arm after stroke?
The weak hand and arm can become swollen and stiff, most commonly caused when the arm hangs down by a person’s side rather than being properly supported.
How can spasticity in the arm be managed?
Provide adequate support to help the limb relax using pillows and tables. Use slow and careful movements when handling the limb. Occupational therapists and physiotherapists may provide specialist equipment such as splints.
How can arm pain be prevented in stroke patients?
Through careful moving and handling of the weak arm with full support of the whole arm and adequate support (e.g., pillows, tables). Ask the person if they have any pain and report concerns to senior staff.
