Certain blood proteins are tested that can increase the chance of stroke by thickening the blood" (Definition, 2009, Medicine net). With a carotid ultrasound a transducer can send high-frequency sound waves into the patient's neck to look for narrowing of the carotid arteries. In arteriography, a catheter is manipulated through the patient's major arteries to examine them after the arteries are injected with dye (Tests and diagnosis, 2009, Mayo Clinic). What medicines, treatments, and/or surgeries are used for a patient who has had a CVA?

The cause of the stroke will determine the patient's course of treatment. For patients with strokes due to coronary factors, anticoagulants are often used to minimize blood clotting. Drugs that can dissolve blood clots may be useful in some patients, as can the administration of oxygen and medications that can help oxygen-starved brain cells survive. With ischemic strokes, blood-thinning drugs, such as aspirin, warfarin and heparin, can restore blood flow to the brain if they are given within three hours. Surgical removal of the clot or the insertion of a stent may be required to open up an artery narrowed by plaques. For a hemorrhagic stroke surgery may also be required, such as aneurysm clipping and arteriovenous malformation (AVM) removal (Treatments and drugs, 2009, Mayo Clinic).

Over the long-term, treating the cause of the stroke is essential. For example, patients with high blood pressure may be more apt to have stroke. Changes in diet, exercise, and prescriptions to treat this condition may be required, although immediately lowering elevated blood pressure into the may further reduce blood flow through narrowed arteries and make the symptoms of the stroke worse and is thus not advised. For diabetes patients, controlling blood sugar and lifestyle changes to mitigate the chance of elevated blood sugar and...

Depending upon the effects of the stroke, rehabilitation may involve "speech therapy to relearn talking and swallowing, occupational therapy for regaining dexterity of the arms and hands, physical therapy for improving strength and walking, etc. The goal is for the patient to resume as many of their pre-stroke activities as possible" (Definition, 2009, Medicine net). Even if the first nurse to encounter the patient is not qualified in all of these specialized disciplines, encouraging the patient to use his or her capabilities to the maximum extent as soon as possible is psychologically and physically empowering -- talking to the patient, encouraging the patient to speak, asking the patient to squeeze the nurses' hand, and touching the patient are all examples of trying to reawaken the functions of a patient who has undergone a CVA.
Works Cited

Definition of Cerebrovascular accident. (2009, September 5). Medicine Net. Last editorial review 1998. Retrieved September 5, 2009 at http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=2676

Diagnosis and treatment. (2009). Mayo Clinic. Stroke. Retrieved September 5, 2009 at http://www.mayoclinic.org/stroke/

Tests and diagnosis. (2009). Treatment and drugs. (2009). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved September 5,

2009 at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stroke/DS00150/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs