Key Points of Nursing Care for Patients with Acute Stroke

Abstract

In patients with stroke, it has been proven that management by a specialized medical team for stroke treatment for several days immediately after stroke onset significantly reduces mortality, improves return-to-home rates, and positively impacts activities of daily living and quality of life after discharge. This chapter describes the key points of nursing care for patients with acute stroke, which include “Recognition of patients’ physical changes,” “Prevention of the worsening of acute stroke and related Symptoms,” “Reduction of patients’ physical distress,” “Appropriate management of patients’ physical conditions,” “Reacquisition of activities of daily living,” “Collaboration with rehabilitation therapists,” “Reduction of mental and social distress in patients and their families,” and “Reduction of the risk of recurrence and requirement of discharge support.” These points will have a positive impact on patients with stroke by improving the nurses’ competence to practice nursing and enhancing the quality of team care.