{"id":2925,"date":"2025-05-22T13:27:56","date_gmt":"2025-05-22T21:27:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nicolekupchikconsulting.com\/news\/?p=2925"},"modified":"2025-07-01T12:54:17","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T20:54:17","slug":"5-ways-nurses-can-recognize-if-a-patient-is-having-a-stroke","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nicolekupchikconsulting.com\/news\/5-ways-nurses-can-recognize-if-a-patient-is-having-a-stroke\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways Nurses Can Recognize If A Patient Is Having a Stroke"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Imagine you are on shift and it’s time for your 4 AM neuro assessment. You notice that your patient is displaying neurological changes. What actions should you take, and what should you anticipate for the plan of care for your patient?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should ask yourself, \u201cIs my patient having a stroke?\u201d Remember: time is brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are five steps every nurse should take when you\u2019re trying to determine whether or not your patient is having a stroke:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Notify\u00a0 your provider and activate a code stroke if possible in your facility.\u00a0 A code stroke activates a Neurology resident, a Rapid Response Nurse, and clears the CT scanner for a head CT.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Perform a thorough neuro exam (NIHSS), get updated vitals, ensure hemodynamics are ok, and airway is patent.\u00a0 Check your patient\u2019s blood glucose.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Aim to have a non-contrast head CT within 20 minutes and get it read within 45 minutes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. The team will\u00a0 need to determine if the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Plan for frequent neuro checks and blood pressure management which will vary depending on which type of stroke your patient has.\u00a0 <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Check out the table below for potential treatment plans for ischemic vs hemorrhagic strokes:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), used to quantify the impairment caused by stroke, can be found HERE<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    As you can see, the higher the stroke score, the more likely it is that your patient has a severe stroke. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As we recognize National Stroke Awareness Month this May<\/strong>, it’s the perfect time to sharpen your stroke assessment skills and deepen your understanding of neurologic care. Whether you’re a new ICU nurse or a seasoned clinician, ongoing education is essential to providing high-quality, evidence-based care for patients experiencing stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Nicole Kupchik Consulting offers a range of valuable resources to support your professional growth:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n