To offer the best possible care for a stroke patient, the nurse needs a solid knowledge of the distribution of the cerebral vessels. The signs and symptoms that accompany an ischemic event are essential to stroke patient care. Building on the assessment, the nurse must be familiar with the management options for this critical patient, criteria for selection, and novel evidence based approaches to afford the patient and family the optimal outcome.
Topics include:
Cerebral Circulation: carotids, vertebrals, basilar, perforators, PICA & AICA, Circle of Willis, spinal arteries
Clinical Findings Related to Vessels: hemiparesis, sensory deficits, apraxias, neglect, dysmetria, visual changes, cranial nerve signs
Acute Ischemic Stroke Patient Care: pathophysiology, temperature, glucose and other areas for management
tPA and/or Interventional Management: criteria, NIHSS, tPA dosing, retrieval devices
Case Studies: tPA, interventional, non-tPA
Resources: prevention, signs/symptoms, rehabilitation