Nursing Measures for Patients with Cerebral Infarction

Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
Updated on September 05, 2024
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The nursing measures for stroke patients vary according to different conditions. During the acute phase, the primary concern is life-threatening infections, while during the recovery and residual stages, the focus is on preventing various complications and risks. The care measures are categorized as follows:

The first is dietary care. Relatives of stroke patients should be reminded that the diet should be light, low in fat, and high in fiber, following the principle of eating small meals frequently. The second is maintaining clear airways, preventing colds, especially tuberculosis, and ensuring that someone watches over the patient at all times.

The third is the prevention of bedsores, assisting and maintaining regular patient turning and moderate activity. The fourth involves preventing burns, bruises, falls, and other injuries by creating a safe and comfortable environment for the patient, ensuring their safety and that there are no hazardous objects in the room.

The fifth is preventing constipation which can be aided by abdominal massage and eating foods high in fiber. The sixth is preventing urinary tract infections, timely changing diapers for those patients who can urinate independently, or ensuring sterile techniques for those with catheters.

The seventh is preventing falls from the bed, especially for those who are restless; installation of bed rails and other safety measures should be considered. The eighth concerns psychological care since many patients tend to become pessimistic and disappointed post-illness. Family members should be caring and provide comfort and encouragement to the patients. The ninth general care measure involves daily oral care with saline solution or brushing teeth every morning and evening, bathing the patient once or twice a week, and daily cleansing of the genital area.

Other Voices

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Can people with cerebral infarction eat eggs?

For patients with cerebral infarction, it is acceptable to eat egg whites. Egg whites contain abundant amino acids which can enhance the body's resistance and ensure adequate nutrition for the patient. For cerebral infarction, it is advisable to consume fewer egg yolks. Additionally, egg yolks have a relatively high cholesterol content, which is not conducive to controlling blood lipids in patients. Thus, egg whites can be consumed, but egg yolks should be eaten in moderation. Moreover, patients with cerebral infarction should also consume plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, which are rich in folic acid and can help fight arteriosclerosis. Additionally, it is beneficial to eat foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids, such as some deep-sea fish and olive oil.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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How is lacunar infarction treated?

Lacunar stroke is a type of cerebral stroke characterized by lesions smaller than 1.5 cm in diameter. Often, these can be discovered incidentally on a CT or MRI scan in asymptomatic patients. In such cases, it's important to evaluate whether the patient has risk factors such as hypertension or diabetes, and consider the patient's age, smoking, and drinking habits. Further assessments with cranial MRI angiography or other vascular imaging are recommended to clarify the state of the blood vessels and guide treatment. Additionally, some patients may experience an acute onset with symptoms like slurred speech or limb weakness. Although these symptoms might be mild, it is crucial to seek prompt medical attention to assess the blood vessels and guide further treatment based on the physician's physical examination of the patient.

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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
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What should be noted for cerebral infarction?

People with old myocardial infarctions need to pay attention to their diet. A low-salt, low-fat diet is recommended. Additionally, individuals like Student Shi who have difficulty swallowing must be careful not to choke, as this can lead to aspiration pneumonia. If they really cannot eat, they may need to have a gastric tube inserted for feeding. Emotionally, it is crucial to control emotional fluctuations as they can cause blood pressure spikes, potentially leading to further progression of a cerebral infarction. Regarding medications, they must be taken on time and regularly to prevent risk factors including hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Blood pressure should also be controlled within the normal range. Furthermore, functional exercise is essential, particularly for those suffering from sequelae post-infarction, to prevent local muscle atrophy and stiffness.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Causes of Cerebral Infarction

The first reason is due to arteriosclerosis. Under the influence of risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, damage occurs to the inner lining of the arteries. A large amount of lipid components are deposited on the arterial walls, eventually forming unstable plaques, leading to the narrowing and even occlusion of the cerebral arteries, thus causing the formation of cerebral thrombosis. The second reason to consider is cardiac causes; if a patient has atrial fibrillation, mural thrombi can form within the heart. These thrombi, once dislodged into the cerebral arteries, can cause cerebral embolism. The third point to note is arterial dissection, which is also a cause of cerebral infarction, and it is relatively common among young people.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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Is lacunar infarction hereditary?

Lacunar stroke is a type of small stroke that occurs within the brain due to the narrowing of small arteries. This narrowing is often caused by long-term hypertension or diabetes, among other risk factors, leading to the obstruction of these vessels. Some patients may not exhibit any symptoms, while others might experience mild symptoms. Regardless of the cause, both hypertension and diabetes have genetic components, suggesting that lacunar strokes are influenced by genetics but are not entirely hereditary. Furthermore, the specific location of a lacunar stroke within the brain determines the symptoms experienced, implying that the condition is not solely genetic but does have genetic factors.