Teaching Guide Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA)

Directions for use of Teaching Guide:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Provide copies of appropriate Fact sheets or other printed materials to the patient for reference before teaching sessions begin. Document materials given to the patient on the Interdisciplinary Patient/Family Teaching form. As teaching proceeds, ask the questions listed below under Topics/Learning Needs. Document topics taught on Interdisciplinary Patient/Family Teaching form. Evaluate patients response based on criteria listed and document on Interdisciplinary Patient/Family Teaching form.

This guide is a teaching tool for staff use, and it is not intended for distribution to patients or for placement in the medical record.

Topics/Learning Needs
I. Knowledge of CVA A. What is a stroke? B. What are the risk factors for stroke? I.

Outcome Criteria
Patient/Family can state: A. The definition of CVA/stroke is when an artery in the brain becomes blocked or ruptures. B. Patient's risk factors for stroke: high blood pressure diabetes atrial fibrillation smoking high cholesterol obesity eating foods high in fats excessive consumption of alcohol C. His/her functional problems: weakness slurred speech/aphasia decreased mobility numbness difficulty swallowing other II. Patient/Family can state (as applicable): A. To prevent another stroke, take all medications prescribed quit smoking learn to monitor blood pressure exercise daily learn to monitor blood glucose eat the right foods B. Signs and symptoms of stroke: vision impairment slurred speach numbness sudden change in blood pressure weakness or inability to move one side of body change in mental status - confusion, loss of consciousness III. Patient/Family should be able to A. Name or state purpose of each medication (e.g., blood pressure medication, Aspirin, Coumadin, Ticlid, diabetes medication, etc.) B. State dosage, frequency, route of medication. C. State side effects or precautions of medications (e.g., while taking Coumadin, watch for bleeding, take Coumadin at the same time each day, have doctor follow blood levels; while taking Ticlid, have CBC every two weeks). D. Call clinic or doctor. E. Take with meals, and at bedtime. IV. Patient/Family should be able to respond correctly: A. Patient has new onset of one-sided weakness with slurred speech. (Call 911.) B. Your blood pressure is higher than usual. (Call your doctor.) C. You are out of medication. (Call your doctor.) D. Patient feels lightheaded and has difficulty walking. (Call 911.) V. Patient/Family should be able to state: A. When the next visit is scheduled B. How patient will get to clinic or therapy C. Call the doctor, clinic, or pharmacy; call social worker for information on financial help, therapy, or transportation needed

Available Patient Education Materials

National Stroke Association:

( ) Understanding Stroke ( ) Spasticity After Stroke ( ) Reducing Risk and Recognizing Symptoms ( ) Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke ( ) African-Americans and Stroke ( ) Recurrent Stroke High Blood Pressure and Stroke

C. What problems do you have from your stroke?

II. Self-care/Home Management A. What can you do to help prevent another stroke?

B. What are signs and symptoms of stroke?

III. Medications A. What medications has the doctor prescribed for you? B. How will you take these? C. Do you know side effects or precautions regarding any of your medications? D. How will you get a new supply? E. How will remember to take your medications? IV. Problem Solving If you had one of these problems, would you call your doctor, or call 911?

American Heart Association:

( ) Brain Attack ( ) Sex After Stroke ( ) Signs of a Stroke ( ) Six Hopeful Facts About Stroke ( ) Smoking and Heart Disease

V. Follow-up A. When is your next doctors appointment? B. How will you get to the clinic or to therapy? C. Who will you call if you have questions?

Produced by: UTMB Hospitals Health Education Office 5/98