Stroke - Immediate Nursing Management
Course Overview
Brief
This Course focuses on the best-practice nursing care of patients with, or suspected of having a stroke.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the signs and symptoms of brain injury caused by stroke
- Explain the importance of immediate treatment and management for the stroke patient
- Explain the impact of the first 24-48 hours on long-term outcomes
- Describe the nursing practice strategies that could assist with prevention, early identification and management for your stroke patient
Topics include:
- What is stroke? How does stroke affect the brain?
- Nursing assessment
- Treatment during the first 24-48 hours post stroke
- Preventative strategies
Target audience
Nurses working in a variety of health care settings, particularly those working in:
- Aged care
- Acute care
- Community health; and
- General practice.
Purpose
Enhance nurses' knowledge about practical evidence-based stroke management relevant to various nursing settings and how to integrate this knowledge into practice, particularly in the first 24-48 hours.
Need
Stroke is a major cause of death and disability both within Australia and internationally. Early detection of stroke signs and symptoms, and rapid intervention can significantly affect morbidity and mortality. Similarly, early rehabilitation can drastically impact on the long-term effects of a stroke. Nurses are essential members of the multidisciplinary stroke care team and have important roles in acute, rehabilitation and community care settings.3 It is vitally important that nurses working in these settings have access to education that is based on current evidence based recommendations. This will ensure that they can provide appropriate and timely care, as time during a stroke is critical.
Health professionals in Australia that are registered with AHPRA are required to obtain continuing professional development (CPD) hours/points each year that relates to their context of practice, in order to comply with mandatory regulatory requirements.
