Stroke: Understanding Pathophysiology, Risk Factors, and Nursing Care

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to stroke, including types, risk factors, and clinical presentations.

Stroke

An interruption of blood flow to the brain, resulting in ischemia and brain damage.

Ischemic Stroke

Occurs when a clot or mass blocks a blood vessel, cutting off blood flow to a part of the brain.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Occurs when a weakened blood vessel, such as an aneurysm, ruptures and spills blood into the brain.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A temporary episode of reversible cerebral ischemia, typically resolving within one hour.

Risk Factors for Stroke

Factors influencing the likelihood of stroke occurrence, categorized as modifiable (e.g., hypertension, smoking) and non-modifiable (e.g., age, heredity).

Penumbra

The area of brain tissue surrounding the core of dead tissue after a stroke, at risk for further damage.

tPA (Alteplase)

A thrombolytic medication administered to dissolve blood clots in ischemic stroke, typically within a 3- to 4.5-hour window.

FAST

An acronym for recognizing stroke symptoms: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services.

Aphasia

Language disorder resulting from damage to specific areas of the brain, typically affecting communication.

NIH Stroke Scale

A tool used to quantify the impairment caused by a stroke, assessing different neurological functions.