Sample Answer for NRS 455 Topic 2 DQ 2 Included After Question
NRS 455 Topic 2 DQ 2
Cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) are either classified as hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke, depending on the underlying pathology. However, the clinical manifestations of either of the two are similar due to the brain damage that often results. It is crucial to note the rising number of CVAs due to a rise in hypertension and embolism cases worldwide.
The initial symptoms of stroke are usually sudden severe headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and alteration in consciousness. Patients also experience trouble speaking, understanding what others are saying, confusion, and slurring of speech (Murphy et al., 2020). Additionally, they experience ipsilateral paralysis of the face and contralateral paralysis of the arm and leg, depending on the side affected. The patients may also experience trouble walking and lose balance and coordination. As a result, stroke is often associated with physical disability due to paralysis on one side of the body, limiting the ability to walk and coordinate activities using their arms and limbs.
Stroke is also associated with cognitive impairments due to brain injury, resulting in memory loss and reduced concentration and decision-making abilities. Additionally, patients with stroke struggle with communication as brain injury often affects their speech and language abilities (Tiwari et al., 2021). Stroke patients often become dependent on others, making it necessary for them to have a caregiver for physical assistance, which may cause a burden on the caregivers. In addition, stroke treatment is multidisciplinary, with different departments such as physiotherapy, psychology, and medical teams, making it very expensive for the patient and the family. Lastly, stroke may negatively affect the patient and caregivers’ mental well-being, predisposing them to anxiety and depression.
As a nurse caring for these patients, one must create therapeutic relationships that allow patients to fully express their feelings, fears, and concerns while providing emotional support (Moudatsou et al., 2020). Emotional support and empathy will enable the patient and nurse to create coping strategies that promote the healing process both physically and emotionally. I would also engage other departments, such as psychology, and coordinate with spiritual leaders better equipped to provide emotional and spiritual support. Lastly, I would ensure that the family or caregiver is actively involved in the treatment process and reassure them.
References
Moudatsou, M., Stavropoulou, A., Philalithis, A., & Koukouli, S. (2020, January). The role of empathy in health and social care professionals. In Healthcare (Vol. 8, No. 1, p. 26). MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare8010026
Murphy, S. J., & Werring, D. J. (2020). Stroke: causes and clinical features. Medicine, 48(9), 561-566. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mpmed.2020.06.002
Tiwari, S., Joshi, A., Rai, N., & Satpathy, P. (2021). Impact of stroke on quality of life of stroke survivors and their caregivers: a qualitative study from India. Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice, 12(04), 680688.. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1735323