Stroke Case Study
Lauren Gilligan
Nursing of the Gerontological Client
March 4, 2011












1. If my grandfather described these symptoms to me I would tell him he should definitely get it checked out. His symptoms indicate a stroke, especially because he is describing one-sided weakness and his blurred vision.
2. His major risk factor for a stroke is his advanced age of 85. 
3. I would ask if he was having any problems with swallowing, bowel or bladder problems since the initial symptoms or if he was experiencing one-sided weakness or paralysis. I would also be assessing him for any obvious emotional changes and language deficits. 
4. The next step he should take is going to the doctor to receive an MRI or CT scan to determine the cause of the stroke and to make sure he did not have a hemorrhagic stroke. 
5. Yes, he should inform his wife of what happened. As a nurse and family member I would have to inform her of what signs to look for until he sees a doctor in order for her to know when he needs to be rushed to the Emergency Department. 
6. He needs to know the signs and symptoms of a stroke in case it happens again before he makes it to a doctor. He also needs to know his risk factors for a stroke and what he can do to improve his health and chances of avoiding another stroke. In addition to teaching him signs and symptoms and risk factors, he needs to know the effects of a stroke and the dangers of waiting to see a doctor once he begins to see signs of a stroke.



References
Mauk, K.L. (2010). Gerontological nursing: competencies for care (2nd ed.). Boston: Jones and Bartlett.