Stroke CVA (Cerebrovascular Accident) Hemorrhagic, Ischemic NCLEX RN & LPN NURSING

Summary

This video explains strokes, or cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), focusing on their causes, types, and key risk factors. Strokes occur when the brain lacks oxygen, often due to blood clots or ruptured blood vessels. It discusses transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), minor strokes that resolve quickly, and more serious strokes like ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Hypertension, especially systolic blood pressure over 140, is highlighted as the leading risk factor for strokes. Proper management of hypertension can significantly reduce stroke risk. The video also emphasizes the importance of gradual blood pressure reduction post-stroke.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Strokes, also known as CVAs, occur when the brain lacks oxygen, often due to a clot in a blood vessel.
• 🌪️ TIA stands for Transient Ischemic Attack, which is a temporary stroke caused by a brief lack of oxygen.
• 🔍 The medical term 'transient' means lasting only a short time, 'ischemic' refers to the lack of oxygen, and 'attack' indicates a sudden event.
• 🚫 TIA symptoms typically resolve on their own and are not permanent.
• 🩸 Other types of strokes are more serious and permanent, including CVAs which involve long-term damage due to oxygen deprivation.
• 🔄 There are two types of CVAs: ischemic, caused by a blood clot, and hemorrhagic, caused by a ruptured blood vessel.
• 🌡️ Hypertension, with a systolic reading over 140, is the number one risk factor for strokes.
• 💊 Taking anti-hypertensive medications regularly can reduce the risk of stroke by up to 50%.
• ✈️ For stroke patients with hypertension, it's crucial to lower blood pressure slowly over 24 to 48 hours to prevent hypotension.
• 📚 SimpleNursing.com offers study materials, including practice questions and video rationales, to help students prepare for nursing exams.

Q & A

What is a stroke (CVA) and how does it occur?

A stroke, also called a cerebral vascular accident (CVA), occurs when the brain lacks oxygen, typically due to a clot in a blood vessel that cuts off the oxygen supply to the brain. Strokes can also be caused by narrowed blood vessels or a ruptured vessel, such as in an aneurysm.

What is a TIA, and how is it different from a CVA?

A TIA, or transient ischemic attack, is a 'tiny stroke' that occurs when there is a temporary lack of oxygen to the brain. Unlike CVAs, which cause permanent damage, TIAs are short-lived, often resolve on their own, and do not cause long-term damage.

What are the two types of CVAs?

The two types of CVAs are ischemic strokes, which occur due to a blood clot (embolic or thrombotic stroke), and hemorrhagic strokes, which result from a ruptured blood vessel, causing bleeding in the brain.

Why is hypertension a key risk factor for strokes?

Hypertension, particularly a systolic pressure over 140, is the most important risk factor for strokes. It can damage blood vessels in the brain, making them fragile and more prone to clots or rupture.

What can patients do to reduce the risk of a stroke?

Patients can reduce their risk of stroke by controlling hypertension. Regularly taking anti-hypertensive medications can decrease stroke risk by up to 50%.

Why is it important to lower blood pressure gradually after a stroke?

After a stroke, it's important to lower blood pressure gradually, especially if it's over 200 systolic, to avoid sudden drops that could lead to hypotension. This gradual reduction helps ensure a smooth recovery and prevents further complications.

What happens to brain tissue during a stroke?

During a stroke, brain tissue dies due to a lack of oxygen. This can occur when blood flow is interrupted by a clot or when a blood vessel ruptures, leading to long-term or permanent damage in the case of a CVA.

What is an embolic stroke?

An embolic stroke is a type of ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot (embolus) that travels to the brain and blocks blood flow, cutting off oxygen supply.

What is a hemorrhagic stroke and what causes it?

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding. This can increase intracranial pressure (ICP) and is often associated with conditions like aneurysms.

How does uncontrolled hypertension affect the brain’s blood vessels?

Uncontrolled hypertension can stretch and weaken the blood vessels in the brain, making them more fragile and prone to rupture or clot formation, which increases the risk of strokes.