Name: John Smith
Age: 65
Gender: Male
Medical History: Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia
Scenario: John is brought to the emergency department by ambulance after experiencing sudden onset weakness and numbness on the right side of his body. He is also having difficulty speaking and understanding others. Upon assessment, you note that John has facial drooping on the right side, weakness in his right arm and leg, and slurred speech. His family reports that these symptoms started about an hour ago.
Vital Signs:
Blood Pressure: 160/95mmH
Heart Rate: 80 bpm
Respiratory Rate: 18pm
Temperature: 37.0°
Questions:
1. What happens in the brain during an ischemic stroke versus a hemorrhagic stroke?
2. How do conditions such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, smoking, and obesity contribute to stroke risk?
3. What are the common signs and symptoms of a stroke?
4. How do these manifestations differ between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes?
5. What potential complications should you monitor for in a patient who has experienced a stroke?
6. How might complications such as aspiration pneumonia, urinary retention, or deep vein thrombosis occur following a stroke?
Case Study Continuation:
7. John is diagnosed with an ischemic stroke based on clinical presentation and imaging findings. He receives intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) within the appropriate time window. However, despite treatment, his symptoms persist, and he develops worsening weakness on his right side.
Additional Questions:
7. How might John's symptoms progress in the hours and days following his stroke?
8. What factors contribute to the extent of recovery and rehabilitation potential after a stroke?