NCLEX RN Practice Question # 534

NCLEX Examination:

Take Practice Question for your upcoming exam:

STROKE (BRAIN ATTACK)

Description

• A stroke or brain attack, formerly known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a sudden focal neurological deficit caused by cerebrovascular disease.
• A stroke is a syndrome in which the cerebral circulation is interrupted, causing neurological deficits.
• Cerebral anoxia lasting longer than 10 minutes causes cerebral infarction with irreversible change.
• Cerebral edema and congestion cause further dysfunction.
• Diagnosis is determined by a CT scan, electroencephalography, cerebral arteriography, and MRI.
• Transient ischemic attack may be a warning sign of an impending stroke
• The permanent disability cannot be determined until the cerebral edema subsides.
• The order in which function may return is facial, swallowing, lower limb, speech, and arms.
• Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical intervention used in stroke management; it is targeted at stroke prevention, especially in clients with symptomatic carotid stenosis.

Causes

• Thrombosis
• Embolism
• Hemorrhage from rupture of a vessel

Risk factors

• Atherosclerosis
• Hypertension
• Anticoagulation therapy
• Diabetes mellitus
• Stress
• Obesity
• Oral contraceptives