Sherpath - Ischemic Stroke Exam Questions
and Answers
ischemic stroke
occurs when there is inadequate blood flow (ischemia) to a part of the brain. Functions (i.e.,
movement, sensation, cognition, and emotion) that were controlled by the affected area of the brain
are lost or impaired
transient ischemic attack
an episode of cerebrovascular insufficiency, usually associated with partial occlusion of a cerebral
artery by an atherosclerotic plaque or an embolus. The symptoms vary with the site and degree of
occlusion. Disturbance of normal vision in one or both eyes, dizziness, weakness, dysphasia,
numbness, or unconsciousness may occur. The attack usually lasts a few minutes. In rare cases
symptoms continue for several hours.
A patient is concerned about the risk for ischemic stroke due to a medical history of diabetes and
hypertension along with a strong family history of the condition. What advice can the nurse
recommend to minimize the risk of stroke?
Maintain blood glucose
The risk for stroke is higher in patients with diabetes mellitus. Maintaining blood glucose and
preventing or controlling diabetes can minimize risk of stroke.
Start an exercise regimen
Obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are all risk factors for stroke that can be minimized by starting an
exercise regimen to help keep weight under control.
Remain on antihypertensive medication
Hypertension is the single most important modifiable risk factor of ischemic stroke. Keeping blood
pressure under control by remaining on antihypertensive medication will minimize risk of stroke.
A patient arrives at the emergency department and indicates that she has had a stroke. Which
assessment findings would the nurse expect to see to support the patient's claim?
Dyspnea
A stroke is associated with impairment in respiratory function, which may manifest as dyspnea.
Drooling
A stroke is associated with impairment in swallowing, which may lead to drooling.
Dysphagia
A stroke is associated with impairment in mobility and swallowing, which may manifest as dysphagia.
Slurred speech
A stroke is associated with language disorders involving the expression and comprehension of written
or spoken words, which may manifest as slurred speech.
A patient is being treated for an ischemic stroke thought to result in damage to the right brain. The
nurse understands that which statements by the patient would support this diagnosis?
"I'm having difficulty telling how far away things are."
Spatial-perceptual deficits, such as having difficulty telling how far away things are, are characteristic
of right brain damage.
"I think this is just an allergic reaction. This paralysis will go away soon."
and Answers
ischemic stroke
occurs when there is inadequate blood flow (ischemia) to a part of the brain. Functions (i.e.,
movement, sensation, cognition, and emotion) that were controlled by the affected area of the brain
are lost or impaired
transient ischemic attack
an episode of cerebrovascular insufficiency, usually associated with partial occlusion of a cerebral
artery by an atherosclerotic plaque or an embolus. The symptoms vary with the site and degree of
occlusion. Disturbance of normal vision in one or both eyes, dizziness, weakness, dysphasia,
numbness, or unconsciousness may occur. The attack usually lasts a few minutes. In rare cases
symptoms continue for several hours.
A patient is concerned about the risk for ischemic stroke due to a medical history of diabetes and
hypertension along with a strong family history of the condition. What advice can the nurse
recommend to minimize the risk of stroke?
Maintain blood glucose
The risk for stroke is higher in patients with diabetes mellitus. Maintaining blood glucose and
preventing or controlling diabetes can minimize risk of stroke.
Start an exercise regimen
Obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are all risk factors for stroke that can be minimized by starting an
exercise regimen to help keep weight under control.
Remain on antihypertensive medication
Hypertension is the single most important modifiable risk factor of ischemic stroke. Keeping blood
pressure under control by remaining on antihypertensive medication will minimize risk of stroke.
A patient arrives at the emergency department and indicates that she has had a stroke. Which
assessment findings would the nurse expect to see to support the patient's claim?
Dyspnea
A stroke is associated with impairment in respiratory function, which may manifest as dyspnea.
Drooling
A stroke is associated with impairment in swallowing, which may lead to drooling.
Dysphagia
A stroke is associated with impairment in mobility and swallowing, which may manifest as dysphagia.
Slurred speech
A stroke is associated with language disorders involving the expression and comprehension of written
or spoken words, which may manifest as slurred speech.
A patient is being treated for an ischemic stroke thought to result in damage to the right brain. The
nurse understands that which statements by the patient would support this diagnosis?
"I'm having difficulty telling how far away things are."
Spatial-perceptual deficits, such as having difficulty telling how far away things are, are characteristic
of right brain damage.
"I think this is just an allergic reaction. This paralysis will go away soon."
