Treating Stoke Patients One thing you will need when treating and caring for a stroke patient is patience. Stroke patients may be very slow in movement and in response time. Stroke patients have challenges that they are not accustomed to, and it can take a lot of adjustment for them to adapt. Challenges for Stroke Patients Hearing may be impaired, a person that could hear well, and suddenly has a loss of hearing is bound to be frustrated and confused. A dry erase board may help with communication; write messages to the patient until they regain hearing functions. Speech may be impaired and the patient may not realize it. That can create frustration when they don't understand why you or others are having difficulty hearing them, and understanding what they mean. Again, a dry erase board or pen and paper may help. Physical disabilities are common in stroke patients. The patient may want to do more, yet the arms or legs may not move as expected. The brain may have swelling that limits signals to the extremities, which can be temporary, or in some cases permanent. Stroke patients may not be aware of their condition, a physician will explain it to them. The severity of a stroke will often determine the odds of recovery. Most patients do recover to some extent, some recover completely, and some show little, or no improvement from the time of the stroke. Related: Recognizing Patient Allergies Statistics in U.S. Stroke is the third leading cause of death. Approximately 150,000 people die annually from strokes. Stroke is the number one cause of disabilities Most stroke victims have never had a stroke previously More than ž of all stroke patients are over the age of 65. Strokes can and do occur at any age. There are many factors that can cause stroke. Risk factors increase for smokers or obese patients. Anyone over the age of 55 can request their physician to perform a risk assessment to determine their chances of having a stroke. A stroke can be frightening to the patient; however, it is important to keep the patient alert and answering questions.
Changing lifestyles can be one factor that can decrease the odds of stroke. Smokers should stop smoking, and obese patients should lose weight. Anyone that has high blood pressure should seek treatment until the blood pressure is under control. Eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise is another way to lower the risk of stroke, and there are numerous health benefits associated with a healthy diet and lifestyle. To date, there is no real evidence to prove that strokes are hereditary. Lifestyle can raise the odds of having a stroke, and certain medications can increase the odds. Women can be at a greater risk if they take oral contraceptives, or hormone replacement therapy. Many physicians stop prescribing birth control for their patients at or around the age of 35, there is some evidence that women over the age of 35 using oral contraceptives are at an increased risk of stroke, although new low dose birth control pills have lessened that probability. Stroke patients describe the feeling as being in a tunnel, sounds can be muffled and the patient may not be able to understand the words that are being spoken, although they are completely aware someone is directing the conversation at them. Some patients say they are confused, and not aware they had a stroke, some say it feels like a dream. Related:
Family Interactions of Terminal Patients
If a stroke is diagnosed early on, in many cases the damage can be reversed, so it's vital a physician diagnose and begin treatment as soon as possible. Blood clots may be dissolved with medications in the early stages of a stroke; surgery is rarely used in stroke patients. Being very slow when talking to a stroke patient, and writing down words and conversation if hearing is impaired, can make the interaction much easier. Keep in mind the patient is most likely confused, afraid, in pain, and very frustrated. A slow and steady approach to the patient will ensure a good patient nurse relationship. Related: International Nurses Association Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter