Role of the nurse in acute stroke care
Intended for healthcare professionals
CPD    

Role of the nurse in acute stroke care

Christopher Stephen Clare Staff Nurse, Southmead Hospital, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, England

Why you should read this article:
  • To enhance your awareness of the signs and symptoms of acute stroke

  • To understand what the management of stroke entails, including patient monitoring and assessing risk factors

  • To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers)

  • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)

The recognition of stroke as a medical emergency, provision of specialist services and advances in treatments have contributed to a decrease in stroke-related mortality, but the incidence and burden of stroke continue to rise. A stroke is a life-threatening and life-limiting event, but prompt identification and early treatment can reduce mortality and disability, and enhance the recovery and rehabilitation potential of survivors. Nurses working in acute stroke services have a wide-ranging role that includes assessment, identification and monitoring, as well as rehabilitation, psychological support and end of life care. This article provides an overview of the diagnosis and management of strokes and transient ischaemic attacks, and describes the role of nurses in acute stroke care.

Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2020.e11482

Peer review

This article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software

Correspondence

ChrisSClare@googlemail.com

Conflict of interest

None declared

Clare CS (2020) Role of the nurse in acute stroke care. Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2020.e11482

Published online: 30 March 2020

Want to read more?

Already subscribed? Log in

OR

Unlock full access to RCNi Plus today

Save over 50% on your first 3 months

Your subscription package includes:
  • Unlimited online access to all 10 RCNi Journals and their archives
  • Customisable dashboard featuring 200+ topics
  • RCNi Learning featuring 180+ RCN accredited learning modules
  • RCNi Portfolio to build evidence for revalidation
  • Personalised newsletters tailored to your interests
Subscribe
RCN student member? Try Nursing Standard Student

Alternatively, you can purchase access to this article for the next seven days. Buy now

Or