Caring for the CVA stroke patient at home
This course covers all aspects of care for patients who have suffered a stroke or Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA), from hospital discharge to full recovery. Our goal is to increase your knowledge and awareness for dealing with stroke. This awareness includes recognizing symptoms, diagnosing the condition, and caring for stroke patients at home. The home care course for stroke patients is presented in four sections:
- First section: Stroke, identifying symptoms, and prevention
- Second section: Care plans for stroke
- Third section: Rehabilitation methods
- Fourth section: Modern home care methods
It’s worth noting that a significant amount of money is spent annually on the treatment and care of those who have suffered a stroke. By taking this course, you can care for your patient at home until full recovery and save on costs.
Instructor for the Home Care Course for Stroke Patients
This course is taught by Mr. Hadi Yavari, who holds a Master’s degree in Geriatric Nursing and is an instructor of clinical nursing courses. He is also a faculty member at the School of Nursing at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran.
Stroke
Stroke occurs when there’s a sudden disruption of brain function due to the interruption of blood flow to a part of the brain. Stroke is a serious and alarming condition that requires quick identification of symptoms to prevent damage to the patient. This disease is one of the most common causes of death and neurological disorders. Stroke is the second leading cause of death in Iran and the third most common cause of death after cancer and cardiovascular diseases. 700 to 750 thousand people suffer from stroke annually, with 150 thousand cases resulting in death. A stroke occurs every 45 seconds, and someone dies from a stroke every 3 minutes. Statistics show that in Iran, 100 to 150 out of every hundred thousand people suffer from stroke. In Iran, due to incorrect lifestyle, stroke occurs ten years earlier than in other countries.
Types of Stroke
- Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type of stroke, accounting for nearly 85% of all strokes. It occurs when there’s a blockage or narrowing of blood vessels supplying the brain, leading to reduced blood flow to the brain.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: This stroke occurs when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures. In this condition, the blood that has leaked out of the artery puts pressure on brain cells, causing damage to them. Rupture of brain vessels may be accompanied by complications such as high blood pressure and trauma.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or Mini-stroke: This stroke is similar to an ischemic stroke and is often caused by blood clots and other lesions. A mini-stroke should be considered a medical emergency like other brain strokes. This stroke is a warning sign and indicates that a blood vessel is blocked or there’s a source of blood clots.
Stroke Symptoms
Quick and accurate diagnosis of stroke is crucial. Recognizing the dangerous symptoms of stroke can help in its prevention and better management. Symptoms such as severe headache, confusion, loss of balance, sudden weakness or decrease in physical strength, problems with speech and vision, and disruption in normal movements are signs of stroke. If you or your loved ones experience these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.
Stroke patients should be transferred to an appropriate hospital immediately so that proper treatment measures can be taken to prevent the effects of this dangerous condition.
Main Symptoms of Stroke
Stroke usually occurs rapidly and is typically sudden and without warning.
– Confusion and difficulty in speaking and comprehension
– Headache accompanied by decreased consciousness and vomiting
– Visual disturbances and blurred vision
– Numbness in the face, arms, and legs (especially on one side of the body)
In which individuals is stroke more likely to occur?
High-risk individuals for stroke include the elderly, people with high blood pressure, diabetics, those with a family history, individuals with a history of stroke or heart attack, smokers, alcohol and drug users, and obese and sedentary individuals.
What should you do if someone has a stroke at home?
- Contact emergency services and listen to the emergency team’s plan
- Pricking the patient’s hand with a needle or blade to draw blood
- Giving medication to reduce pressure
Emergency care for a stroke patient
Immediate vital actions to save the life of a stroke patient include:
– Quickly transporting the patient to the hospital
– Diagnosis of stroke by a specialized medical team
– Performing brain imaging tests such as CT scan and MRI
– Evaluating the patient’s general condition
– Emergency measures such as injecting blood-thinning medications
– Addressing complications such as respiratory and cardiac disorders
These steps increase the patient’s chances of recovery and reduce the effects of stroke.
How to care for a stroke patient at home
Caring for a stroke patient at home includes maintaining the patient’s calm and optimal sleep, ensuring proper respiratory and pulse status, preventing nausea and vomiting by keeping the patient in a semi-sitting position, performing body movements, establishing social and psychological interaction with the patient, proper nutrition, and safety protection measures including fall prevention and creating a safe environment for the patient.
Professional home care methods for patients
Professional home care methods for stroke patients include monitoring the patient’s vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, and respiration, providing rehabilitation exercises under the supervision of a doctor or physiotherapist, providing appropriate and balanced nutrition to maintain body health, consuming adequate fluids to prevent lung dryness and damage, caring for the patient’s skin against wounds and treating them, and proper planning for pain management and patient rest.
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