Nursing Measures for Patients with Cerebral Infarction

Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
Updated on September 05, 2024
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The nursing measures for stroke patients vary according to different conditions. During the acute phase, the primary concern is life-threatening infections, while during the recovery and residual stages, the focus is on preventing various complications and risks. The care measures are categorized as follows:

The first is dietary care. Relatives of stroke patients should be reminded that the diet should be light, low in fat, and high in fiber, following the principle of eating small meals frequently. The second is maintaining clear airways, preventing colds, especially tuberculosis, and ensuring that someone watches over the patient at all times.

The third is the prevention of bedsores, assisting and maintaining regular patient turning and moderate activity. The fourth involves preventing burns, bruises, falls, and other injuries by creating a safe and comfortable environment for the patient, ensuring their safety and that there are no hazardous objects in the room.

The fifth is preventing constipation which can be aided by abdominal massage and eating foods high in fiber. The sixth is preventing urinary tract infections, timely changing diapers for those patients who can urinate independently, or ensuring sterile techniques for those with catheters.

The seventh is preventing falls from the bed, especially for those who are restless; installation of bed rails and other safety measures should be considered. The eighth concerns psychological care since many patients tend to become pessimistic and disappointed post-illness. Family members should be caring and provide comfort and encouragement to the patients. The ninth general care measure involves daily oral care with saline solution or brushing teeth every morning and evening, bathing the patient once or twice a week, and daily cleansing of the genital area.

Other Voices

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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Is lacunar infarction a serious illness?

Lacunar stroke is a condition where small blood vessels in the cerebral hemispheres or brainstem undergo pathological changes and eventually become occluded as a result of common risk factors such as prolonged hypertension or diabetes. This leads to the necrosis of brain tissue. Typically, the infarct size is less than 1.5 to 2 centimeters, resulting in clinical syndromes associated with impaired neurological functions governed by the affected area. Often, lacunar strokes may be asymptomatic in some patients, while others may experience mild symptoms. Generally, the prognosis of this disease is good.

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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
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Is a cerebral infarction a stroke?

Brain infarction is a type of stroke, and in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), stroke is categorized as an illness, differentiated as external and internal wind. External wind, as discussed in "Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases," occurs due to external evil invasions, also referred to as the Gui Zhi soup proof. Internal wind belongs to diseases caused by internal injuries, also termed brain stroke or sudden stroke. Commonly, stroke refers to the type caused by internal injuries involving disorders such as the chaos of qi and blood, obstruction of cerebral vessels, or blood overflow in the brain. It is a cerebral neurological disease identified mainly by sudden fainting, hemiplegia, numb limbs, difficult speech, facial distortion, and unilateral numbness. This condition is characterized by a sudden onset, rapid changes, and is akin to the pathogen of wind favoring rapid and multiple changes. The type of stroke discussed here is akin to a brain stroke. Brain infarction refers to the obstruction in a brain artery caused by various emboli such as intracardiac mural thrombi, atherosclerotic plaques, tumor cells, fibrocartilage, or air traveling with the bloodstream. When collateral circulation fails to compensate, it leads to ischemic necrosis of the brain tissue in the supplied area, causing focal neurological deficits. Cerebral hemorrhage, on the other hand, refers to bleeding within the brain tissue not caused by trauma but due to the rupture of intracerebral vessels. Both cerebral hemorrhage and brain infarction often result in varying degrees of motor deficits, cognitive impairments, and speech and swallowing difficulties, collectively referred to in stroke cases. Hence, brain infarction is considered a type of stroke.

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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
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How long does one need to be hospitalized for a cerebral infarction?

The duration of hospitalization for cerebral infarction varies from person to person, depending on the different conditions of the stroke patients, the different causes of the stroke, and the different treatment goals. Generally, the hospitalization time is seven to fourteen days. If the condition of the cerebral infarction is relatively mild, it is also possible to be discharged in five to seven days. However, for some patients with severe conditions, even those who are in a coma or have complications, the hospitalization time will be longer.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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Do lacunar infarcts fear getting angry?

Lacunar stroke is caused by the occlusion of some small blood vessels in our skull due to pathological changes in the vessel walls after long-term hypertension, diabetes, or other diseases. Therefore, it usually stems from underlying conditions. Although getting angry may trigger a lacunar stroke, it's important to manage emotions as well. However, for lacunar stroke itself, the primary underlying causes are still hypertension, diabetes, and other risk factors. Thus, regardless of the situation, it's essential to avoid sudden and intense emotional changes, as such changes could potentially trigger a lacunar stroke.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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Lacunar Infarct Nursing Issues

Lacunar stroke is caused by the blockage of small blood vessels in our skull due to long-term risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia, leading to a stroke. Generally, the area of infarction is relatively small, typically less than 1.5 to 2 centimeters. Symptoms may or may not be present. In either case, the symptoms are usually mild and the prognosis is generally good. There are no special strict nursing requirements. If patients are active and can take care of themselves, they do not need special care. Furthermore, it is crucial to focus on secondary prevention, which is to prevent further occurrence of stroke, and to seek further treatment from a neurologist.