In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review stroke, a medical emergency caused by disrupted cerebral blood flow from ischemia or hemorrhage. We’ll break down the two major classifications of stroke, with emphasis on ischemic strokes as the most common type and the urgency of rapid CT imaging to determine eligibility for thrombolytic therapy. The episode reviews key risk factors and stroke prevention strategies, including hypertension control, diabetes management, smoking cessation, and the FAST method for recognizing early warning signs.

You’ll hear expected neurologic findings based on the affected hemisphere, including aphasia, hemiparesis, visual field changes, neglect, and impaired coordination. Priority nursing care focuses on immediate stabilization, frequent neuro checks, airway and oxygenation support, blood glucose monitoring, seizure precautions, and prevention of increased intracranial pressure. Ongoing nursing management includes dysphagia screening and safe-feeding strategies, communication support, mobility and skin protection, VTE prevention, and psychosocial care. The episode also reviews key medications and procedures used in stroke management and secondary prevention, including alteplase, antiplatelets, anticoagulants, statins, thrombectomy, and carotid interventions. This review provides an exam-ready framework to help nursing students prioritize care and prevent complications such as aspiration pneumonia and injury related to unilateral neglect.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 16