Nursing care for ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation: a case study

Abstract

     This study aimed to study nursing care process in patient ischemic stroke with atrial fibrillation
     Results: Thai female patient aged 74 years has symptoms of weak right limb and unclear speech 1 hour before coming to the hospital. Electrocardiogram showed the atrial fibrillation rate of 100 times/min with hypertension (220/120 mm Hg), and INHSS evaluation of 6 scores. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed as lacunar infarction. The patient was received the recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) within 40 min, nicardipine for controlling the blood pressure and heart rhythm and warfarin for protection the complications from receiving fibrinolytic drug. After that, the patient was not cerebral edema and cerebral
hemorrhage, vital signs, blood pressure of 200/100 mm Hg, pulse of 98 times/minute, breathing 20 of times/minute. Patient had a difficulty swallowing. Thus, the patient was received the feeding tube and evaluating and practicing swallowing until patient can to eat the food. Later, patient has improved in order and admission in the hospital for 14 days. Nurses provide the knowledge and recommended care methods to caregivers before going home.