🧬🌀 What Is a CVA (Cerebrovascular Accident)?
A CVA, or stroke, is a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain, leading to damage of brain tissue. It’s a medical emergency that can cause long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.
🧊⚡ Types of Stroke
Ischemic Stroke 🧱🩸: Caused by a blood clot blocking a brain artery.
Hemorrhagic Stroke 🌊🧠: Caused by a ruptured blood vessel bleeding into the brain.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) 🕊️⏳: A brief blockage with stroke-like symptoms that resolve quickly.
🧭📉 Common Symptoms
Sudden weakness or numbness (especially one side) 🫱🫲
Slurred speech or trouble understanding 🗣️🧏
Vision changes 🕶️🌫️
Loss of coordination or balance 🧍♂️🪂
Severe headache (especially in hemorrhagic stroke) 🎯💥
🧩🫀 Effects on the Patient
Motor: Paralysis, difficulty walking 🦿🛞
Speech: Aphasia, slurred speech 🧃📵
Cognitive: Memory loss, confusion 🧠🪞
Emotional: Depression, frustration 🫥🎭
To know more about CVA, you may watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryIGnzodxDs.
📚🛎️ CNA Care for CVA
🔍 Assessment 🧿📋
Observe for:
One-sided weakness 🫸🫷
Difficulty swallowing 🍽️🧊
Speech or understanding issues 🧏♂️📴
Incontinence or mobility limits 🚽🪜
Emotional distress 😟🫨
Check skin for pressure injuries 🧴🩹
Monitor alertness and responsiveness 🧭🧠
🧭 Planning 🧵🧰
Prevent complications:
Pressure ulcers 🛏️🪶
Aspiration 🧃🚫
Falls 🪜⚠️
Promote:
Comfort 🛌🕊️
Dignity 🧘♀️🎓
Independence 🧍♀️🛠️
Coordinate with care team 🧑⚕️🔗
🛠️ Implementation 🧺🧤
Positioning: Reposition every 2 hours 🕑🧸
Mobility: Assist with transfers and exercises 🦽🎯
Feeding: Use thickened liquids if ordered 🥣🧊; keep upright 🪑📏
Hygiene: Assist with bathing, oral care, toileting 🧼🪥🚿
Skin Care: Inspect and protect skin 🧴🧦
Communication: Use simple words, gestures, or boards 🧃🧾
Emotional Support: Offer reassurance and patience 🫂🪞
Reporting: Document and notify nurse of changes 📝📡
✅ Evaluation 🧪📊
Is the patient:
Comfortable and safe? 🛌🛡️
Free of skin breakdown? 🧴🩹
Swallowing safely? 🍽️🧃
Maintaining or improving mobility? 🦿📈
Emotionally supported? 🫶🎭
Have all concerns been addressed? 📬🔍