Working with Stroke Patients If you have not worked directly with patients that have previously suffered a stroke, you could be facing a learning curve. Stroke patients need rehabilitation and special care to ensure they recuperate as quickly as possible. Recognizing Stroke Symptoms
Slurred speech, or difficulty putting sentences together. Patients may drool from one or both sides of the mouth. Numbness or paralysis on one side of the body. This can be anything from face, arm, leg, or an entire side of the body. The patient may not know where they are, or may not be aware of what year it is. Severe headache followed by nausea and vomiting
These are some typical stroke symptoms, but not every stroke falls into the typical category. If there is a question regarding a “possible” stroke, it’s best to be overly cautious, and have this checked out with the necessary tests. Related:
How to Express a Complaint or Concern
Caring for a Stroke Patient After a patient, has suffered a stroke, there will eventually come a time for them to return home. The family will need to be educated on proper care to meet the needs of the stroke patient. If the patient is being released from the hospital, as a general rule it will be the responsibility of the nurse to provide care instructions to the family.
Be certain the family understands the medication list that has been prescribed to the patient. Make sure the prescriptions can be filled for the patient, and that the family member understands dosage instructions, etc. Cover dietary needs with the family. It is essential that the patient eat a well-balanced and healthy diet. Ensure the patient will have means of making return visits to their physician’s office, the risk of a second stroke should be considered.