Ischemic stroke takes place when a brain artery is blocked. The brain is dependent on arteries for fresh blood from the heart as well as lungs. The blood carries oxygen as well as nutrients to the brain as well as takes cellular waste and carbon dioxide. Failure of one artery dictates that the brain cannot access adequate energy and will with time stop its operations. Although, there are a lot of patients suffering from the condition, the rate of treatment has been decimally low. t-PA (tissue plasminogen activator)administration has massively failed to meet the required education levels in the treatment of the health condition.
According to Meurer, et al, “Only 1 in 3 percent of ischemic stroke patients receive thrombolytic therapy; ” this is suggestive a qualitative study performed in regards to treatment barriers for patients presenting to the emergency room with acute ischemic stroke symptoms (Meurer et al., 2011, p.1). In addition to this statistical data, the American Heart Association (AHA) also has recommendations, or guidelines for the treatment of acute stroke with intravenous administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), yet only half of the eligible population actually receive this drug. Are RN staff members educationally competent in administration of IV t-PA. At such a low administration rate, it can be proven there is an educational deficit amongst staff members, which indicates "barriers do exist both at the provider and educational competency of Registered Nurses" (Meurer et al., 2011, p. 1). This educational deficit creates an issue for all Stroke Certified Emergency Rooms nationwide. Education guidelines should be initiated per the American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations. If these educational needs could be met, there may be an increase in the number of patients who are eligible to receive this thrombolytic therapy. Thus, reversing or minimizing permanent neurologic deficits particularly is the IV medication is administered within guidelines of the American Heart Association (AHA).
This problem would be extremely influential on how activities take place at the work place. This is a disease that has claimed massive lives. If it is not controlled on time, a lot of demerits are likely to be observed. There will be a lot of distrust between patients and physicians as there will not be a guarantee for proper health. The nursing field will be spoilt following allegations that it is made of irresponsible personnel who do not value life (Adams et al, 2008). Therefore, education would be extremely vital.
Lack of proper knowledge on the body condition may not only be tested in treatment, but it should be confirmed in the diagnosis process. The problem in this nursing area is wider than it may be imagined. This is following the inability of t-PA administration to identify this form of stroke at an early stage (González, 2011).
Although, t-PA continues being a proven treatment technique for ischemic stroke it may be advanced for the excellent care. One of the recommendations is that t-PA needs to be administered within a certain time parameters. The next recommendation is that patients presented with symptoms and signs of ischemic stroke should be evaluated of future risks immediately. The third recommendation would be that education concerning early stroke symptoms, diagnostic procedures, risk elements as well as treatment options should be offered to families as well as patients. Lastly, stroke unit carers should be provided to prevent and manage complications within 24 to 48 hours since initiation (Silverman & Rymer, 2009).
References
Adams, R. J., Marks, M., Kenton, E. J., & Kelly-Hayes, M. (2008). Update To The AHA/ASA Recommendations For The Prevention Of Stroke In Patients With Stroke And Transient Ischemic Attack. Stroke, 39(5), 1647-1652.
González, R. G. (2011). Acute ischemic stroke imaging and intervention (2nd ed.). Berlin: Springer.
Silverman, I. E., & Rymer, M. M. (2009). Ischemic stroke an atlas of investigation and treatment. Oxford: Clinical Pub..
