OLNEY CENTRAL COLLEGE ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM
FCC-LTC-OCC-WCC
NURSING 1201 TEXTBOOK DATA CEREBRAL INFARCTION
Definition:
Cerebral infarction is commonly known as ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is blocked. Permanent damage to brain tissue occurs at the site due to cell death at the affected area. Certain parts of the brain control different body functions, so when damage occurs this alters how the body works. Per the American Stroke Association, 87% of strokes are ischemic (Doenges, Moorhouse, and Murr, 214)
Etiology:
There are certain risks that can increase the chance of someone having a stroke. High blood pressure is one such risk (Ignatavicius …show more content…
Ischemic strokes can interrupt the perfusion to any part of the brain causing cell death. If the blockage is formed in the arteries that supply blood to the brain this is known as cerebral thrombosis. In cerebral embolism the clot forms in some other part of the body, usually the heart. The clot or part of it breaks loose and traveled through the bloodstream to the brain causing the blockage. The amount of death and the location of the tissue affected will determine how severally the body is affected (Ignatavicius and Workman, 931). After a stroke, metabolism and blood flow in the brain continue to be effected around the tissue death as well as the opposite hemisphere of the brain. (Ignatavicius and Workman, 931). Effects of a stroke on the nonaffected side may be due to edema or changes in the overall perfusion of the brain (Ignatavicius and Workman, 931). Stroke symptoms can worsen over of a period of days. It is not uncommon for a second stroke or heart attack to occur during this time. It may be weeks before improvement begins. Some stroke has good recovery with no lasting damage. Other stroke leaves permanent disabilities or in many cases result in death (Doenges, Moorhouse, and Murr, …show more content…
Clinical history and presentation are usually enough to identify a stroke once it has occurred (Ignatavicius and Workman, 937). Computed tomography(CT) without contrast is the standard for the initial diagnosis of stroke (Ignatavicius and Workman, 937). The CT must be done to rule out the possible of hemorrhagic stroke, before giving thrombolytic drugs. CT with contract could be done to show the a more detailed view of vessels in the and head and neck. (Doenges, Moorhouse, and Murr, 218). There is no definitive laboratory test to confirm ischemic stroke (Ignatavicius and Workman, 937). Hemoglobin and Hematocrit levels are often elevated do to the bodies attempt to compensate for lack of oxygen to the brain (Ignatavicius and Workman, 937). Cardiac enzymes and an EKG are also done. (Ignatavicius and Workman, 937). INR or PT and a PTT are drawn in case anticoagulation therapy is started (Ignatavicius and Workman, 937). IV access is needed. Patient is also on a cardiac monitor. Oxygen therapy as indicated. Antihypertensive medication given to reduce elevated blood