Stroke - Immediate Nursing Management

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.