Nursing Diagnosis for Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke is a stroke caused by inadequate blood flow to a part of the brain. Because the brain requires a continuous supply of oxygen and other nutrients from the blood, this interruption in blood flow leads to dysfunction of the brain and death of the cells in the affected area.

The term stroke refers to any new neurological symptoms with a sudden onset. While the term is sometimes used to refer to other sudden neurological events, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage or spontaneous hypertensive hemorrhage, it is most commonly used to refer to ischemic stroke.

If ischemic (decreased blood flow) is severe enough and/or prolonged enough it causes death of the part of brain which is involved. This is also termed cerebral infarction. While lower levels of ischemia may cause symptoms, they can be reversible if reversed before a full infarction occurs.

Nursing Diagnosis for Ischemic Stroke

1. Impaired Physical Mobility related to hemiparesis, loss of balance and coordination, spasticity, and brain injury.
2. Acute Pain (painful shoulder) related to hemiplegia and disuse
3. Self-care Deficits (bathing, hygiene, toileting, dressing, grooming, and feeding) related to stroke sequelae
4. Disturbed Sensory Perception related to altered sensory reception, transmission, and/or integration
5. Impaired swallowing
6. Total urinary incontinence related to flaccid bladder, detrusor instability, confusion, or difficulty in communicating
7. Disturbed thought processes related to brain damage, confusion, or inability to follow instructions
8. Impaired verbal communication related to brain damage
9. Risk for impaired skin integrity related to hemiparesis, hemiplegia, or decreased mobility
10. Interrupted family processes related to catastrophic illness and caregiving burdens