NCLEX RN Practice Question # 534
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NCLEX Practice Questions
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