Stroke Awareness Jacqueline Nelson

Unit 01 Stroke awareness F/503/7150

You will: Know what a stroke is

1.1 Identify the changes in the brain associated with stroke

Bleed, Blockage depending on area. The brain controls how you move, feel, communicate, think and act brain changes from a stroke may affect any of these abilities. Some changes are common no matter which side of the brain the injury is on. Others are based on which side of the brain the stroke injures

1.2 Outline other conditions that may be mistaken for stroke

Blood poisoning - Brain tumour – Faintness - Seizure - Bells Palsy - Migraine - Falls without losing consciousness
1.3 Define the differences between stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)

Stroke is a long term / long lasting caused by bleed or blockage
A TIA is a brief interruption to the brain and can pass unnoticed . It is usually quick and doesn’t leave side affects, or it it does these are usually gone within 24hours

Unit 01 Stroke awareness F/503/7150

Know how to recognise stroke

2.1 List the signs and symptoms of stroke

Sign and symptoms of a stroke may include:
Sudden Severe headache – Dizziness – Loss of Consciousness – weakness – numbness – paralysis – Confusion – slurred Apeech – Blurred Vision – Dropping eyes, mouth, arms or legs
2.2 Identify the key stages of stroke

Urgent Response – stroke unit
Assessment – Brain scan
Assessment within 24 hours for – thinking – understanding – swallowing
Treatment
Rehab and adaptions

2.3 Identify the assessment tests that are available to enable listing of the signs and symptoms

F.A.S.T.
Face – has this fallen to one side? Can the person smile?
Arms - can the person raise their arms and keep them there?
Speech - has this become slurred
Time - if all or an of these signs are noticed then you must call help immediately (999)
2.4 Describe the potential changes that an individual may experience as a result of stroke

People may experience physical difficulty, or even personality change following a stroke. The emotional impact can not only cause people distress if their lives and lifestyle changes, but also lead to financial hardship if people can no longer work or need alternative housing, care fees etc.

Unit 01 Stroke awareness F/503/7150 (cont’d)

You will: Understand the management of risk factors for stroke
You can:

3.1 State the prevalence of stroke in the UK

152,000 equivalent of 1 every 5 minutes
3.2 Identify the common risk factors for stroke

Age - Family History – Gender – Ethnicity – History of Stroke or TIA are factors that are part of us or part of life and can not be controlled.
Other factors such diet, smoking, blood pressure, exercise, diabetes and drinking alcohol can all be controlled either by the person or by their GP.
3.3 Describe how risk factors may vary in different settings

The distance from the hospital could be one factor. People who live alone could potentially be more at risk as they might not be able to alert anyone, therefore a stroke diagnosis might not be identified early enough.
Also whether the person lives alone or in a residential setting can also be a factor, for example a person living at home might not shop regularly, or remember to cook, these wouldnt pose the same risk in a care setting

3.4 Define the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of stroke and subsequent stroke

Regular Exercise, balance diet, medication to reduce high blood pressure, stopping smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption

Unit 01 Stroke awareness F/503/7150 (cont’d)

You will: Understand the importance of emergency response and treatment for stroke
You can:

4.1 Describe why stroke is a medical emergency

As it can life threatening and for hour the stroke goes undiagnosed or untreated it may lose 120 million brain cells
4.2 Describe the actions to be taken in response to an emergency stroke incident in line with agreed ways of working

Summon help – ring 999
If the person is conscious then reassure them help is on its way
Support any weakened limbs if at all possible
Maintain Health and safety of the person, self and other
Maintain the persons privacy, dignity and confidentiality
Complete any relevant paper (ensure this is accurate and include times, what has happened and where)
4.3 Identify the impact on the individual of the key stages of stroke

Any of the following could have impact on the persons life.
PAIN or confused
Treatment
Rehab and adaptions – sometimes this can be a lengthy process before assessments and installations have taken place, which could lead to anger and frustration.
End of life Care
Transfer of care
Long term assessments and reviews
Participation in Community Life

4.4 Identify the correct early positioning for airway management

The recovery position
4.5 Identify the information that needs to be included in reporting relevant and accurate history of the incident

Information needs to be accurate and include the time, where it happened, what was seen or observed. What are the symptoms or injuries. Record what actions were taken and record outcomes.

Unit 01 Stroke awareness F/503/7150 (cont’d)

You will: Understand the management of stroke
You can:

5.1 Describe why effective stroke care is important to the management of stroke

It is important because effective care can minimise negative outcomes for the person and not make things worse. For example incorrect food could cause choking, or wrong positioning could result in pressure sores.
5.2 Identify support available to individuals and others affected by stroke

There are many support channels available and these could include
GP
Nurses
Reablement
OT
Social Services
Physiotherapist
Incontinence Nurse
Support groups
5.3 Identify other agencies or resources to signpost individual or others for additional support and guidance

Stroke Association, Carers Link, Stroke Club, Internet forums and chat groups where families can share their experience and help to signpost to other support if needed.