9.13 Learning Activities
Learning Activities
Stroke Case Study
Sandra
66 year old, Native American female
Awoke in the middle of the night and fell when she tried to get up and go to the bathroom, because she could not control her left leg.
Her husband took her to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with an acute ischemic stroke.
Actual time the stroke was unknown.
Subjective Data:
- Left arm and leg are weak and feel numb
- Feeling depressed and fearful
- Requires help with ADLs
- Concerned about having another stroke
- She has not taken her medications for high cholesterol for many weeks
- Keeps forgetting to take her hypertension medications
- History of a brief episode of left-sided weakness and tingling of the face, arm and hand 3 months earlier which she verbalizes ‘totally resolved’ and for which she did not seek treatment.
Objective Data:
- BP 180/110
- Left-sided arm weakness 3/5 and leg weakness 4/5
- Decreased sensation on the left side, particularly the hand
- Left homonymous hemianopsia
- BMI of 29
- Alert and oriented and able to verbally respond to questions appropriately but noticeable delay with verbal responses.
- How does the Sandra’s health history put her at risk for a stroke? How can the RN address the client’s concerns and fears regarding the possibility of having another stroke?
- What lifestyle modifications may Sandra have to make?
- Is Sandra a candidate to receive tPA? Why or why not? Provide the rationale for your response, please.
- What diagnostic tests and medications can you expect the client to receive?
- How will homonymous hemianopsia affect SC’s hygiene, ability to drive, eating and community activities?
- What additional assessments can the nurse make in order to develop interventions help Sandra and her husband cope with this change in Sandra’s health status?
“Neurological Glossary Cards” by Open RN is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0
Telehealth Scenarios
Telehealth is an innovative technology that can bridge the gap between health care professionals and clients, especially for clients who live in remote areas. Telehealth not only makes healthcare more accessible but can also provide continuity of care and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations. Nurses who provide telehealth services become digital communicators and educators, merging clinical expertise with empathy and effective online communication.
Practice using effective telehealth communication in the following scenarios with Dakotah Thunderhawk, a 75 year old,Native American male who recently had a cerebrovascular accident and is recovering at home with left side weakness:
“Epilepsy Quiz” by Open RN is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0
“Parkinson’s Disease Quiz” by Open RN is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0
