Thrombotic Stroke Research Paper

Thrombotic Stroke
Michael Cross
Institute of Technology
April, 4 2017

Thrombotic Stroke
According to the mayo clinic, thrombotic stroke is defined as “A thrombotic stroke occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one of the arteries that supply blood to your brain. A clot may be caused by fatty deposits (plaque) that build up in arteries and cause reduced blood flow (atherosclerosis) or other artery conditions” (mayoclinic.org) in a more simple way to explain what a thrombotic stroke is, its broken down by this: blood, plaque, oxygen and arteries. Blood travels through the body and supplies oxygen to all the organs that require oxygen. Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the
arteries. Cholesterol, combined with fat, calcium and other substances in the blood that form the plaque in the arteries and lead to atherosclerosis. The blood that carries oxygen to the brain gets blocked off because of the plaque. The brain doesn’t receive the oxygen from the blood. Then the brain get s starved of oxygen and fails to function hence; stroke.
If a person is currently suffering from a thrombotic stroke would experience difficulties walking, speaking, and understanding.
Paralysis or numbness of the face, arm, or leg. The persons muscles would experience weakness, stiff joints, the persons coordination would be “off” tingling of extremities and paralysis in one side of the persons body. The cognitive signs and symptoms would be certain levels of confusion, wouldn’t be able to see on one side of the body, inability to speak, or talk and will have mental confusion. The person will also experience loss of vision, blurred vision, vision loss in one eye or temporary blindness. The whole body will feel tingly and loss of touch sensation. Also, some other common signs and symptoms would be dizziness, nausea, difficulty sleeping, difficulty swallowing and unsteadiness and possible loss of
balance.
If a person is showing any of the signs and symptoms of a thrombotic stroke they should seek medical attention immediately. Once at the emergency room the doctor will order a CT scan to find out the extent of the damage and what type of stroke it was. If the blood vessel breaks and the blood starts seeping into the cranial cavity, it’s a hemorrhaged stroke. If there is no blood present, then there is a blockage caused by a build up of the plaque in the artery. A thrombotic stroke has occurred. Other tests will ordered by the doctor, he or she will order blood tests and an EKG. If finding a abnormal heart rhythm, such as atrial fibrillation, this would mean that the stroke could be a thrombotic stroke.
Treating a thrombotic stroke would start with an I.V. with a clot busting medication to restore blood flow to the brain. A catheter is inserted into the arteries and the clot busting medicine break the clot and blood flow is restored. After the hospital stay, the treatment that follows a thrombotic stroke, heparin is given to ensure that blood flow through the arteries and prevents more blocks to occur. The doctor may prescribe anti-coagulant medicine like aspirin, plavix or rivaroxaban.
Nursing considerations for a person who had a stroke are very important to the patients care in or out of the hospital to prevent more admissions into the hospital for the same complaint. Its very important for the nurse to educate the patient upon discharge about home care for the client. Also educating the patient about self care and preventative measures to minimize the risk of another stroke.
The nurse would educate the patient about how to keep the risks of another stroke low in everyday life.
The treatment for a thrombotic stroke is prevention.
If a person has had a stroke, the person is at high risk for another stroke. Treating high blood pressure with any blood pressure medication will lower the chances of another stroke. Thiazide diuretics and ACE inhibitors will treat most high blood pressure problems. Medicines like Lipitor and pravachol will lower cholesterol. Being diabetic will increase the chances of another stroke as well if the diabetes go undertreated. It’s important for a stroke survivor to be educated about a healthy lifestyle and what to avoid in everyday life. Eating healthy, exercising, avoiding fatty foods and smoking. With education, medications and a little self discipline will help improve the care of the patient and give confidence to the patient to strive to becoming more aware of his or her condition and, in turn, will live a better
life.
Thrombotic stroke can happen to anybody regardless of diet, lifestyle, and poor health choices. Eating healthy, exercising and getting plenty of sleep will curve the stroke chances and maybe almost preventable. If one is having a stroke, its very important to seek medical attention immediately to prevent further oxygen restriction and thus, damage to the brain itself.
Nurses play a big role in all the stages of a person gong through a thrombotic stroke. Whether the nurse is in the ER, recovery or discharge phase, helping the doctor or doctors throughout the different phases of care for the patient. Education and awareness for people with a high risk of a thrombotic swill probably save their lives on day.