Abstract TP41: Clinical Challenges Of The Complex Icu Stroke Patient

Abstract

Ten percent to twenty percent of Stroke patients will require an ICU admission. This population of stroke patients are managed aggressively in the acute phase and often present with many complex clinical challenges for the Emergency Department (ED) and Intensive Care Unit ICU) Nurse. The clinical challenges of the complex stroke patient include complications such as; blood pressure, glucose and airway management, hemorrhagic transformation, extension of the stroke infarct, malignant hemispheric strokes complicated by cerebral edema, and the need for hyperosmolar therapy, and potential progression to hemicraniectomy. Common ICU challenges also apply to this patient population; hospital acquired infections, aspiration pneumonia, and skin breakdown. This presentation will provide an overview of the ICU clinical challenges caring for the acute stroke patient. The importance of expert nursing care is essential to the management of this patient population. Pharmacologic interventions that are common in caring for the ICU stroke patient will be discussed. This lecture is aimed at the experienced stroke nurse as well as the ED and ICU Nurse and the Nurse new to stroke and critical care.