Acute phase
The acute care phase of stroke is managed by the ED
and ICU staff. Nursing care of the patient in this phase
includes:
• Nursing care focused on continued stabilization by
frequent evaluation of vital signs, neurological status,
blood pressure management, and prevention of
complications.
• Specific nursing care in the acute phase includes:
o Neurological stroke assessment including the
NIHSS.
o Observation for signs and symptoms of hemorrhagic
transformation after tPA administration.
o Ongoing blood pressure management.
o Temperature management.
o Continuous cardiac monitoring.
o Assessment of oxygenation.
o Observation for complications of tPA including
angioedema.
o Blood glucose monitoring.
o Observation for signs and symptoms of increasing
intracranial pressure related to cerebral
oedema.
o Observation and interventions for seizures.
• Medical management in the acute care phase includes
establishing the cause or aetiology of acute ischemic
stroke (AIS), prevention of treatment related complications,
and evaluation of secondary prevention
strategies. (Summers et al. 2009)