reply 1. 150 words citation and references
Characteristic findings for stroke patients are; numbness or weakness in face, arm, leg mainly affecting one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking, difficulty understanding speech, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or lack of coordination, severe headache with no known cause. (GCU. 2018).
When someone experiences a stroke it not only affects them but their family and friends as well. The patient will likely need rehabilitation services such as speech, occupational and physical therapy. They will possibly need caregivers 24/7 until they are able to regain their independence. Caregivers will need to make sure that they are taking care of themselves while caring for the family member and utilize resources when needed. (GCU, 2018).
When caring for a stroke patient it is important to provide support for psychological and emotional needs while they are recovering. Stroke patients can have depression which can take a toll on the recovery process. They may fear that it will happen again, and it can change the physical, social and emotional aspects of life for them. They will likely be concerned with when they will regain their independence or how much they will get back. The nurse can offer support with sitting with the patient using active listening, offering encouraging words, and detecting for anything distressing with the patient nonverbal or verbal. (GCU, 2018). An example would be, A patient that was recovering from a stroke in inpatient rehab, lashing out on nursing staff for not bring his water fast enough. This may be an indicator that he is struggling with his inability to be independent and get things for himself. This would be a good time to sit and listen to the patients concerns and relay them to the provider.
Grand Canyon University (Ed). (2018). Pathophysiology: Clinical applications for client health. Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs410v/pathophysiology-clinical-applications-for-client-health/v1.1/
reply2. 150 words citation and references
A patient suffering from a stroke will display some key characteristics. The first characteristic is a weakness. The patient can either experience numbness on the face or paralysis on one side of the body. Another common symptom is a headache which adversely affects the patient. The patient’s usual function might be altered and he or she might suffer from the reduced cognitive function such as speech and sight. The stroke if not treated promptly has negative effects on the patient and the family. First, it can disable the patient, hindering him or her from participating fully in society. This can lead to loss of income or a halt to all daily activities. Family members are forced to care for their loved one and this exercise bears a physical, financial, and emotional toll on those affected. Bucki, Spitz, and Baumann (2019) maintain that caregivers often suffer from social strain when dealing with patients who have suffered a stroke. Therefore, the caregivers also need the support of their own. Nurses can play a role in the provision of the patient’s social and psychological needs. First, the nurses can educate the patients and their caregivers on how to provide appropriate care. In this way, the nurses will have granted the patients peace of mind that those caring for them are knowledgeable. The patients will, thus, have one thing to worry about. In addition, nurses can provide counseling to patients to help them adjust to their new living conditions. Such counseling can develop well-adjusted patients who are willing to navigate life with their new situation. In addition, nurses can provide social support by providing care to the patients remotely whenever the need arises.
References
Bucki, B., Spitz, E., & Baumann, M. (2019). Emotional and social repercussions of a stroke on patient-family caregiver dyads: Analysis of diverging attitudes and profiles of the differing dyads. PloS one, 14(4), e0215425.
Expert Solution Preview
Stroke is a medical condition characterized by various signs and symptoms that can severely impact a patient’s life. Key characteristic findings for stroke patients include facial numbness or weakness, arm and leg weakness on one side of the body, confusion, speech difficulties, visual impairments, balance issues, dizziness, and severe headaches (GCU, 2018). These symptoms can greatly affect a patient’s physical, social, and emotional well-being, as well as their ability to independently perform activities of daily living.
When a patient experiences a stroke, the implications not only affect the individual but also their family and friends who may become caregivers. The patient often requires rehabilitation services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy to regain functional independence (GCU, 2018). Caregivers play a crucial role in supporting stroke patients during their recovery journey by providing 24/7 care and ensuring their physical and emotional needs are met. Caregivers must also prioritize self-care and utilize available resources to prevent burnout.
Psychological and emotional support is essential for stroke patients as they navigate the recovery process. Depression is a common concern that can hinder the rehabilitation process. Patients may have fears regarding the recurrence of stroke and the potential impact on their physical, social, and emotional aspects of life. Nurses can provide support by actively listening, offering encouragement, and identifying distress signals from nonverbal or verbal cues (GCU, 2018). For example, if a stroke patient expresses frustration with the nursing staff for delayed service, it may indicate their struggle with loss of independence. In such situations, nurses can sit with the patient, listen to their concerns, and relay them to the healthcare provider for appropriate intervention.
In summary, stroke patients require comprehensive care encompassing physical rehabilitation, emotional support, and assistance with activities of daily living. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to consider the patients’ psychological well-being and provide necessary support during their recovery process.
