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Case Study: CVA
A Cerebrovascular accident (stroke) is a rapid-onset medical emergency than can cause neurological damage and disabilities. Many people know of or heard of someone having a stroke before; it is very common in the United States. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stroke kills about 140,000 Americans each year- thats 1 out of every 20 deaths, also about 87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes, in which blood flow to the brain is blocked. This case study discusses expected signs and symptoms, risk factors, nursing care plan and interventions of the patient who has experienced a CVA. It also describes Patient Mr. B current health and past medical history and basic conditioning factors.
Basic Conditioning Factors
Patient Mr. B is a 79-year-old Caucasian male patient who was admitted on March 8, 2019, at noon. He has a medical history of atrial fibrillation and hypertension. About a year ago, he experienced a cerebrovascular accident also known as a stroke, which has left him having hemiplegia and hemiparesis affecting his right dominant side. His past medical history includes hyperlipidemia and dysphagia, which usually affects the majority of stroke patients. Due to his dysphagia, he also has had a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) to help get his nutritional needs like liquid, food, and medications. His feeding rate is 60ml/hr. and is held between the hours of 12 pm-4 pm, due to his family visiting him around that time. The consistency of his feeding is honey-thickened liquid His code status is do not resuscitate (DNR), has no known drug allergies and is being withheld from food and fluids (NPO). His development level according to Eriksons stages is Integrity vs. Despair. He fits more of ego integrity meaning he is looking back on life a feeling a sense of fulfillment leading up to wisdom. His activity level is dependent with attempts to initiate on his own. On September 16, 2019, his vital signs were BP: 126/78 Pulse: 63 Pox 93 Respirations: 22 and no complaints of pain. On September 17, 2019, his vital signs were BP: 117/78 Pulse: 55 Respirations: 20 and no complaints of pain. His pulse fluctuates frequently due to him having atrial fibrillation.
Expected Signs and Symptoms of Primary or Admission Medical Diagnosis
The primary diagnoses for this client is a cerebrovascular accident is the medical term for a stroke. A stroke can be ischemic or transient, the difference between the two is that a transient is a temporary blood clot and is reversible, ischemic isnt. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (2018), the five most common signs and symptoms of a stroke are sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination; severe headache with no known cause. Some nursing considerations when caring for patients is to keep the HOB 30 degrees, frequent neurological assessments, fall prevention measures, prevention of contractions, and promoting cerebral tissue perfusion. (‘Nursing Care Plan for Stroke (CVA),’ n.d.).
Health Deviations
During the assessment of the nursing process, the abnormal finding for this client was weakness on his right dominant side, unable to communicate, excessive frothy sputum, abdominal distention, generalized weakness, activity intolerant and labored breathing. The patient can suction himself per MD order; the suction device is left at his bedside. Head of the bed should be elevated 30-45 degrees to prevent aspiration.
>ention to get movement going, since the patient is immobile. Also administering a laxative per MD order twill help with constipation to relieve his distention. It is important to encourage the patient to use his left hand, since the right side is weak.
Nursing Diagnosis
Risk for aspiration related to impaired swallowing as evidenced by the patient being unable to swallow or drink any fluids. (Vera, 2013) It is important to monitor the patient throughout the shift for risk for aspiration and to assist the patient with head control and position based on specific dysfunction to reduce the risk of aspiration. (Vera, 2013) Administer tube feedings for fluid replacement and nutrition. (Vera, 2013) Have suction equipment available at the bedside in case the patient starts to aspirate. (Vera, 2013) The goal of care is the patient maintains a patent normal airway and normal breath sounds and patient digest gastric feeding without aspiration. (Vera, 2013) Lastly, the patient is free of aspirations and the risk of aspirations is decreased. (Vera, 2013) Risk for skin break down related to skin friction as evidenced by reddened heels. The patients skin should be left clean, dry and intact and he should be repositioned every two hours. Additionally, boney prominences like elbows, heels, and sacrum should be inspected for skin breakdown due to being higher risk because of compression between hard surface and the bone. (Wayne, 2019) The goal is the patients skin should remain intact by having no presentation of redness on boney prominences. (Wayne, 2019)
Plan of Care
The plan of care to take into action is to improve Mr. B is to help him with his difficult speaking, immobility, and preventing a secondary stroke. It is beneficial for Mr. B to meet with physical therapy to help him learn exercises that can help lower his blood pressure, lower his body weight, and improve vasodilation. He is at greater risk for a secondary stroke because of his atrial fibrillation. Anticoagulant therapy like aspirin can help thin out of the blood and prevent the risk of blood clots forming in the heart, which can be a cause that leads to a stroke. While in the facility to help him communicate. For example, using a communication board and being able to use a notepad to write out on things he would like to speak of. Since he is unable to communicate with his family over the phone, it is important to remind the family to visit him. Additionally, occupational therapy would be beneficial to help him maintain skills needed for daily living. He should also be encouraged to do independent activities while providing care. For instance, encouraging him to brush his teeth by using his stronger hand or brushing his hair.
Conclusion
Furthermore, this case study illustrates how Mr. B has many things to work on towards his health condition. Cerebrovascular accident is a very serious condition that can be life-threatening to the patient and requires immediate interventions. Teaching the client about his medication, exercising, following up with his specialist, and maintaining a healthy weight can be beneficial to his health and help him understand more how important it is to take care of him. Lastly, it is important for the nurse to notice the signs and symptoms of a potential stroke and what to do when it occurs. The nurse should be able to also consider the patients background, education, and different ways to help the patient understand their health condition when barriers are present, for instance, the patient being nonverbal.
Medication List
Medication
Why
Side Effects
Nursing Concerns
Dosage
Atrovastatin
Antihyperlipdemia
Hyperlipidemia
Abdominal cramps, flatus, heartburn
Monitor CK levels, obtain dietary history, monitor liver function test, monitor cholesterol
1 tab 40 mg G-tube
Docusate Sodium
Laxative
Bowel Management
Diarrhea, bitter taste, bloating, gas
Encourage fluids. Monitor bowels (color, consistency, amount)
10 ML G-tube
Dulcolax (Basacodyl)
Laxative
Constipation
Throat irritation, mild cramps, diarrhea, rashes
Dont use when abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever is present/ dont take within 2 hr. of other laxatives.
10 mg (suppository/rectal)
Fleet enema
Laxative (Saline)
Constipation
Dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, bloating
Assess abdominal distension, color/amount/consistency of stools
Rectal
Milk of Magnesium
Laxative
Constipation
Diarrhea, flushing, sweating
Assess for heartburn/indigestion, monitor serum phosphate, potassium and calcium levels
30cc G-tube
Multivitamin + minerals
Supplement
Supplement
Upset stomach, Constipation, Diarrhea
Monitor Bowel movements (form, consistency, color)
10 Ml G-tube
Robitussin
Antitussives
Cough
Dizziness, sedation, nausea
Assess frequency/nature of cough, long sounds, and sputum produced
10ML G-tube
PRN
Tylenol
Analgesic/
Antipyretic
Mild pain (1-3)
Hypotension, agitation, anxiety, headache, fatigue, insomnia, constipation
Assess alcohol usage, assess type/location of pain, assess fever, may alter blood glucose monitoring (lower)
325 mg 2 tabs PRN
TUBER sol
Skin test to determine if pt. has tuberculosis
Generalized rash, fainting, light headedness, redness at injection site
Read after 72 hours, Annual PD test 03/22/2020
0.1 ML intradermal
Aspirin: no steroidal ant inflammatory drug
Fever/Mild Pain
Chest Pain
CVA prophylaxis
GI BLEEDING, dyspepsia, epigastric distress, nausea, abdominal pain, anorexia, hepatotoxicity, vomiting
Monitor pain/fever. (Type of pain, characteristic, onset, time) (Monitor temperature)
81 mg 1 tablet G-tube
HEMATOLOGY
Date of lab:
January 30, 2019
REFERENCE
RANGE (for your lab)
DAY OF LAB: (+ previous values as pertinent)
IMPLICATIONS: Why do you think your patient has this lab value, any concerns?
WBC
4.00-10.00
5.30
WNR
RBC
4.63-6.08
3.53
Not enough O2 in the blood
HGB
13.7-17.5
11.8
Can be an indication of anemia
HCT
40.1-51.0
36.2
Can be an indication of anemia or from medication
PLT
150-400
135
Can indicate anemia, enlarged spleen or iron deficiency
COAGULATION
REFERENCE RANGE (for your lab)
DAY OF LAB:
IMPLICATIONS:
PT
N/A
N/A
N/A
INR
N/A
N/A
N/A
APTT
N/A
N/A
N/A
CHEMISTRY
REFERENCE RANGE (for your lab)
DATE OF LAB:
IMPLICATIONS:
NA
70-99
140
Indication of high blood pressure, dehydration,
K
3.7-4.5
3.7
WTR
CL
98-107
106
WTR
CO2
27
21-31
WTR
GLUCOSE
70-99
140
Infection, illness, under stress, or indication of something wrong within the heart.
BUN (blood urea nitrogen)
7-25
18
WTR
CREAT
0.70-1.30
0.79
WTR
CA
8.6-10.3
8.6
WTR
PHOS
N/A
N/A
N/A
MAG
N/A
N/A
N/A
PROTEIN
6.4-8.9
5.6
WTR
ALBUMIN
3.4-5.7
3.4
WTR
ALT
7-52
23
WTR
AST
13-29
22
WTR
TRIGLYCERIDE
N/A
N/A
N/A
References
- High Blood Pressure | Hypertension. (2019, September 4). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/highbloodpressure.html.
- Hyperlipidemia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://vascular.org/patient-resources/vascular-conditions/hyperlipidemia.
- Nursing Care Plan for Stroke (CVA) – NRSNG Nursing Courses. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://academy.nrsng.com/lesson/nursing-care-plan-for-stroke/.
- Stroke Symptoms. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-symptoms.
- Stroke, Acute (Cerebrovascular Accident [CVA]): 5-Minute Clinical Consult. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.unboundmedicine.com/5minute/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/1688020/all/Stroke__Acute__Cerebrovascular_Accident_[CVA]_.
- Vera, M., & Vera, M. (2019, June 3). 8 Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke) Nursing Care Plans. Retrieved from https://nurseslabs.com/8-cerebrovascular-accident-stroke-nursing-care-plans/2/.
- Villines, Z. (n.d.). What Is The Difference Between Hemiplegia And Hemiparesis? Retrieved from https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-hemiplegia-and-hemiparesis.
- What is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib or AF)? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/what-is-atrial-fibrillation-afib-or-af.
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