Stroke Care
Stroke Care Risk Factors Classification Assessment Treatment References	Assessment The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association have defined the “Stroke Chain of Survival” as essential steps that must be taken by “patients, family members, and health care providers to maximize recovery” in a timely manner (Field, 2006, p. 104). Patients and family members must call 911 to alert Emergency Medical Services dispatch that the patient is experiencing stroke-like signs and symptoms, and needs urgent medical attention. Subsequently, Emergency Medical Services paramedics will attend to the patient, and immediately notify emergency department providers of the patient’s condition. Accordingly, on arrival to the receiving hospital, emergency department providers will triage the patient according to the patient’s condition, while diagnosis will be dependent on the patient’s physical examination and testing, such as computed tomography scan; thereafter, treatment, such as clot-busting drugs, will be provided based on the patient’s diagnosis, and pre-existing medical conditions. (Field, 2006) Numerous tests are utilized in diagnosing a patient, who is experiencing stroke-like signs and symptoms (Heart and Stroke, Foundation of BC & Yukon, 2009g). For example, a computed tomography scan involves the patient lying on a stretcher that is attached to a machine, which is capable of taking a number of x-rays of the patient’s head; these x-rays are compiled to provide an enhanced visual of the patient’s brain, allowing the physician to diagnose the presence of ongoing bleeding in the brain, or the blockage of a blood vessel in the brain (Heart and Stroke, Foundation of BC & Yukon, 2009a). Comparatively, magnetic resonance imaging is utilized to provide an even better visual of the patient’s brain, especially when the cause of the patient’s stroke-like signs and symptoms are hard to detect on computed tomography scan; this machine utilizes a magnetic field and radio waves to produce an accurate image of the patient’s brain (Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon, 2009b). Accordingly, a neurological exam is performed by the emergency physician, who will be testing the patient’s senses, movement, and speech (Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon, 2009c). Thus, with a multitude of tests available in hospitals, physicians are capable of correctly diagnosing the patient and providing timely treatment that can preserve if not recover the patient’s neurological function (Heart and Stroke, Foundation of BC & Yukon, 2009g).
Ms. Simmi Prasad April 9, 2009