Nurse Care Post Thrombolysis and Thrombectomy in Stroke

Abstract

 Patients presenting with an acute ischemic stroke must be identified quickly so the stroke team can provide emergent care. From the emergent phase in the Emergency Department (ED) to the diagnostic/operative phase in Interventional Radiology (IR) to the intensive care unit (ICU), nurses must be knowledgeable and involved in the care of the acute stroke patient. ICU nurses must know the standards for stroke centers, evidenced-based literature for intervening with stroke patients in ED & IR and the continuum of care. Nurses care priorities in the post thrombolysis and post thrombectomy period include critical reassessments of the neurologic system and vital signs. This session focuses on the hyperacute ischemic stroke patient presenting within 24 hours of symptom onset. Nurses must be prepared to understand assessment priorities in the stroke patient,  manage patients with intravenous thrombolytics with the goal to deliver the drug in under 30 minutes and manage care in the IR suite and ICU post thrombectomy with the aim prevent complications and maximize clinical outcomes.