Stroke is characterized by the sudden loss of blood circulation to an area of the brain, resulting in a corresponding loss of neurologic function. Also previously called cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke syndrome, stroke is a nonspecific term encompassing a heterogeneous group of pathophysiologic causes.
Broadly, however, strokes are classified as either hemorrhagic or ischemic. Acute ischemic stroke refers to stroke caused by thrombosis or embolism and is more common than hemorrhagic stroke. (Prior literature indicated that only 8-18% of strokes are hemorrhagic, but a retrospective review from a stroke center found that 40.9% of 757 strokes included in the study were hemorrhagic.
emedicine.medscape.com
Nursing Diagnosis for Ischemic Stroke
Broadly, however, strokes are classified as either hemorrhagic or ischemic. Acute ischemic stroke refers to stroke caused by thrombosis or embolism and is more common than hemorrhagic stroke. (Prior literature indicated that only 8-18% of strokes are hemorrhagic, but a retrospective review from a stroke center found that 40.9% of 757 strokes included in the study were hemorrhagic.
emedicine.medscape.com
Nursing Diagnosis for Ischemic Stroke
- Impaired physical mobility related to hemiparesis, loss of balance and coordination, spasticity, and brain injury
- Acute pain (painful shoulder) related to hemiplegia and disuse
- Self-care deficits (bathing, hygiene, toileting, dressing, grooming, and feeding) related to stroke sequelae
- Disturbed sensory perception related to altered sensory reception, transmission, and/or integration
- Impaired swallowing
- Total urinary incontinence related to flaccid bladder, detrusor instability, confusion, or difficulty in communicating
- Disturbed thought processes related to brain damage, confusion, or inability to follow instructions
- Impaired verbal communication related to brain damage
- Risk for impaired skin integrity related to hemiparesis, hemiplegia, or decreased mobility
- Interrupted family processes related to catastrophic illness and caregiving burdens
