Discuss characteristic findings for a stroke and how they affect the lives of patients and their families. Discuss the nurse’s role in supporting the patient’s psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs. Provide an example integrating concepts from the “Statement on Human Flourishing” located in Topic 2 Resources.
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN Discussion Question Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
**Characteristic Findings of Stroke and Their Impact:**
Characteristic findings of stroke include sudden onset of neurological deficits such as weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, facial droop, slurred speech, difficulty understanding or expressing language, vision changes, and severe headache. The impact of stroke on patients and their families can be profound. Stroke survivors may experience physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, emotional changes, and challenges with activities of daily living. Family members may assume caregiving responsibilities, experience emotional distress, and undergo lifestyle adjustments to accommodate the needs of the stroke survivor.
**Nurse’s Role in Supporting Psychological, Emotional, and Spiritual Needs:**
The nurse plays a crucial role in supporting the psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs of stroke patients and their families. This includes providing emotional support, facilitating coping strategies, promoting self-esteem and positive body image, and addressing existential concerns. For example, the nurse can implement therapeutic communication techniques, assess for signs of depression or anxiety, encourage participation in support groups or counseling, and facilitate access to spiritual resources such as chaplaincy services or religious rituals.
**Example Integrating Concepts from the “Statement on Human Flourishing”:**
Incorporating concepts from the “Statement on Human Flourishing,” the nurse recognizes the holistic nature of human beings and aims to promote optimal well-being in all dimensions – physical, psychological, social, and spiritual. For instance, the nurse may collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to develop a personalized care plan that addresses the patient’s physical rehabilitation goals, psychological coping strategies, social support network, and spiritual beliefs. By fostering a holistic approach to care, the nurse supports the patient’s journey toward recovery and enhances their overall quality of life.
**References:**
Powers, W. J., Rabinstein, A. A., Ackerson, T., Adeoye, O. M., Bambakidis, N. C., Becker, K., … & Demaerschalk, B. M. (2018). Guidelines for the early management of patients with acute ischemic stroke: 2019 update to the 2018 guidelines for the early management of acute ischemic stroke: A guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke, 50(12), e344-e418.
Hinkle, J. L., & Cheever, K. H. (2018). Brunner & Suddarth’s textbook of medical-surgical nursing (14th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
The post Discuss characteristic findings for a stroke and how they affect the lives of patients and their families appeared first on Destiny Papers.
