Stroke / TIA
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Neurohigh priorityneeds review
Stroke / TIA
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Brain blood flow is blocked by clot/embolus or disrupted by bleeding; TIA symptoms resolve but warn of risk.
- Ischemia or hemorrhage injures brain tissue, creating focal neurologic deficits.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Antiplatelets | Secondary prevention for selected ischemic stroke/TIA clients. |
| Anticoagulants | Used for selected embolic risks such as atrial fibrillation. |
Nursing actions
- Determine last known well and perform focused neuro assessment.
- Maintain airway and aspiration precautions; keep NPO until swallow screen if indicated.
- Do not give antithrombotics until hemorrhage is ruled out by protocol.
Complications
- Aspiration
- Cerebral edema
- Hemorrhagic conversion
- Falls
NCLEX cues
- Facial droop, arm drift, speech change.
- Sudden severe headache can suggest hemorrhage.
- Time matters.
Memory hooks
- Stroke questions are time, airway, swallow, CT.
Labs / Diagnostics
- CT head
- Glucose check
- NIH stroke scale
- Coagulation labs when ordered
Review notes
- Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.