Strokes Flashcards
(28 cards)
What are the 2 types of strokes?
Ischemic and hemorrhagic
What is a TIA?
Transient ischemic attack. The patient has symptoms lasting <1 hr but no damage to the brain.
Why is a TIA still dangerous?
3-10% of people will have a stroke within the next 2 days and 9-17% of people will have one within 90 days (3 months)
What is the difference between a stroke and TIA?
TIA will not show up on imaging. Hemorrhagic strokes can be seen on CT and MRI. Ischemic strokes can’t be seen on CT.
Why is A fib; CAD, heart valves, HLD, coronary heart disease, and septal defects; PE, DVT, recent surgery, sedentary lifestyle a stroke risk factor?
They can all increase the risk for clots and if they break off can travel to the brain and occlude a vessel supplying oxygen to the brain.
Taking blood thinners puts someone at risk for what type of stroke?
Hemorrhagic because the thinners thin the blood in order to prevent clots but also put the individual at increased risk for bleeding.
Why is the prevalence of strokes the highest in African American populations?
Because they also have a higher prevalence of diseases like HTN, HLD, and cardiac diseases putting them at risk for a stroke.
Who has a higher risk for strokes men or women?
Women because although more men have strokes women live longer thus increasing rates
What are the signs of strokes?
Any sudden neurological symptom.
What 3 symptoms does the Cincinnati stroke scale assess?
Facial droop, arm drift, and slurred speech
What are 2 stroke scales used in the pre hospital setting?
Cincinnati and Los Angeles
What is the stroke scale used in the hospital?
NIH
What labs are ordered for stroke patients?
CBC, CMP, co-ags, type and screen, and beta HCG
Why do we get a CMP?
To assess for kidney function because CT scans with contrast damage the kidneys. Also to check blood sugar if not done so already.
Why do we get a CBC?
To look at the H&H and platelet levels.
How can we assess for balance on a suspected stroke patient?
Ask the patient to walk or if they can reach for something
What are some eyesight complaints associated with a stroke?
Blurry, black spots, seeing shadows either bilaterally or unilaterally
What can we ask a suspected stroke patient to do to assess facial symmetry?
Ask them to smile, show you their teeth, or raise their eyebrows.
What is the difference between a CT and MRI?
CT is faster but does not have detailed picture of the vessels in the brain.
MRI uses magnetic waves, takes longer, and is more detailed so you can see the vessels.
What is the difference between a hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke?
Ischemic is when there is a blocked artery supplying oxygen to the brain a hemorrhagic stroke is when the artery breaks causing a bleed.
Why is smoking a stroke risk factor?
Because the tobacco can damage the inner walls of the blood vessels, the endothelium, making it a site for atherosclerosis.
Why is A fib and heart attack a stroke risk factor?
It can cause blood to stagnate thus increasing risk for blood clots
A clot formation is worse on the L or R atrium?
L atrium because the clot will go to the L ventricle into the aortic valve with direct access to the brain
If a clot forms in the R atrium where does it go?
Right ventricle into the lungs
