Nursing Care for Young Stroke Patient with Atrial Fibrillation: A Comparison of 2 Case Studies

Abstract

Background: Ischemic stroke (stroke) is an important cause of death. Those who survive often have residual disabilities, which has a direct impact on patients, families, economics, and society greatly. Acute ischemic stroke is a period in which the blood supply to the brain is cut off, but the brain tissue has not yet died. Patients still have a chance to recovery. If properly treated and cared for fast according to professional standards.

Objective: To study nursing care for young stroke patients with atrial fibrillation: 2 case studies.

Methodology: Comparative study of 2 young stroke patients with atrial fibrillation treated in the stroke ward, Maha Sarakham Hospital. Tools include data recording form which was collected from inpatient medical records. Patient interviews, observations, data analysis, comparative analysis of risk factors, pathology, signs and symptoms, treatments, nursing records using the concepts of patient assessment according to Gordon's 11 health models.

Results: Comparison of two young acute ischemic stroke patients with right atrial fibrillation.

Case 1: Thai man, 44 years old, important symptoms: Slurred speech, weakness in the left side of his limbs before coming to the hospital 1 day. Acute ischemic stroke was diagnosed. An electrocardiogram found that the right atrium was fibrillation.

Case 2: Thai woman, 37 years old. Main symptoms: Stiff tongue, slurred speech, and weakness in the right side of the arm. 55 minutes before coming to the hospital, she was diagnosed as acute ischemic stroke, then entered the stroke fast track system and received treatment with a thrombolytic agent. And an electrocardiogram found the right atrium was fibrillation, improved after receiving treatment.

Conclusion: Care for young stroke patients with atrial fibrillation. If proper medical evaluation and treatment are not performed according to the standards of care for stroke patients. There is a chance that the patient's condition will deteriorate and complications from the illness will occur. Therefore, the nurse on the stroke ward must have the competency and expertise to care for patients in critical situations and even plan discharge effectively.