Patient care management goal: to support the patient’s vital functions, restore cerebral blood flow, minimize neurologic deficits, and prevent progression

1. Maintain a patent airway to promote adequate oxygenation
2. Administer oxygen therapy with possible intubation and mechanical ventilation to ensure adequate tissue perfusion
3. Maintain bed rest to minimize metabolic requirements
4. Provide I.V. fluids to support blood pressure and maintain volume
5. Administer dexamethasone to reduce cerebral edema
6. Administer anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs for thrombotic conditions after hemorrhage has been ruled out
7. Administer sedatives, such as Phenobarbital, to decrease metabolic requirements
8. Assess the patient’s neurologic status; observe for CVA progression and level of consciousness (LOC) change as evidenced by decreasing numerical score on the GLASGOW COMA SCALE.
9. Correct cardiovascular abnormalities, such as atrial fibrillation, that may be contributing factors
10. Consider surgical procedures to correct circulatory impairment, prevent repeated hemorrhage, or relieve cerebral pressure
11. Begin bedside range-of-motion exercise to preserve mobility and prevent deformities
12. Teach the patient to identify risk factors and necessary life-style modifications, such as diet, stress reduction, and smoking cessation
13. Direct the family to community groups that provide support or rehabilitation

More Nursing Interventions next.

Nursing Care Plan