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Topic: Discuss characteristic findings for a stroke and how they affect the lives of patients and their families. Discuss the nurse’s role in supporting the patient’s psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs. Provide an example integrating concepts from the “Statement on Human Flourishing” located in Topic 2 Resources.
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN Discussion Question Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education
This assignment aligns to AACN Core Competencies 2.1, 2.2, and 9.2.
Example 1 ( Martha )
Stroke is a significant medical event characterized by the sudden interruption of blood supply to the brain, leading to neurological deficits. Common findings include sudden numbness or weakness, particularly on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, dizziness, and loss of coordination or balance. These symptoms are indicative of the brain regions affected by the stroke and can result in long-term disabilities (Johnson et al., 2020).
The impact of a stroke on patients and their families is profound. Patients may experience physical disabilities, such as hemiplegia or aphasia, which can affect their ability to perform daily activities and communicate effectively. Cognitive impairments and emotional changes, such as depression or anxiety, are also common. These challenges necessitate significant lifestyle adjustments and ongoing support from family members, who often become primary caregivers, experiencing emotional and physical strain as they adapt to their new roles (Ellis et al., 2021). Nurses play a crucial role in supporting stroke patients and their families by addressing their psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs. Psychologically, nurses can provide education about the condition, treatment options, and recovery processes, helping to alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of control. Emotionally, they offer empathetic listening and counseling, creating a supportive environment where patients and families can express their fears and frustrations. Spiritually, nurses can facilitate connections with chaplaincy services or encourage practices that bring comfort and peace, such as prayer or meditation (Miller & Cummings, 2020).
Integrating concepts from the “Statement on Human Flourishing,” nurses can promote holistic well-being by addressing the multifaceted needs of stroke patients. For example, a nurse might implement a care plan that includes physical rehabilitation, psychological counseling, and spiritual support. This approach aligns with the principles of human flourishing by fostering an environment that supports the overall well-being and growth of the patient. For instance, a nurse could coordinate a multidisciplinary team involving physical therapists, psychologists, and chaplains to provide comprehensive care. This collaborative approach not only aids in physical recovery but also addresses the emotional and spiritual dimensions of healing, promoting a balanced and fulfilling recovery process.
References
Ellis, C., Barley, J., & Grubaugh, A. (2021). Post-stroke depression and anxiety: Translating principles of psychosocial care into clinical practice. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 97(1146), 456-462. http://doi.org/10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-138006
Johnson, W., Onuma, O., Owolabi, M., & Sachdev, S. (2020). Stroke: A global response is needed. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 94(9), 634-634A. http://doi.org/10.2471/BLT.16.181636
Miller, E. L., & Cummings, M. (2020). Supporting the spiritual needs of stroke patients: Insights for nursing practice. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 29(5-6), 743-751. http://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15128
Example 2 ( panina)
Stroke, a sudden interruption in the blood supply to the brain, is characterized by several distinct findings, including sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, dizziness, and loss of balance or coordination. These symptoms reflect the brain regions affected by the stroke and can lead to long-term disabilities, significantly impacting the lives of patients and their families (Benjamin et al., 2021).
The aftermath of a stroke often involves profound physical, psychological, and emotional changes. Patients may experience varying degrees of paralysis, speech difficulties, cognitive impairments, and emotional instability, such as depression or anxiety. These challenges can affect their ability to perform daily activities, work, and maintain social relationships, necessitating substantial lifestyle adjustments and ongoing support from family members, who may also experience emotional and physical strain from caregiving responsibilities.
Nurses play a crucial role in supporting stroke patients and their families. Beyond addressing the physical needs, nurses provide vital psychological, emotional, and spiritual support. They offer counseling and educational resources to help patients and families understand the stroke’s impact and manage the recovery process. Nurses also facilitate support groups and connect families with community resources to alleviate the burden of care.
An example integrating concepts from the “Statement on Human Flourishing” involves promoting the holistic well-being of stroke patients. Human flourishing emphasizes the comprehensive growth and fulfillment of individuals, including their physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Nurses can implement this by encouraging participation in rehabilitation programs that focus on physical recovery while simultaneously addressing emotional and spiritual needs through counseling, mindfulness practices, and spiritual care services (GCU, 2020).
For instance, a nurse might coordinate a multidisciplinary care plan that includes physical therapy for motor skills recovery, psychological counseling to address emotional challenges, and chaplaincy services to support spiritual well-being. This comprehensive approach aligns with the principles of human flourishing by ensuring that stroke patients receive holistic care that fosters overall well-being and resilience.
In conclusion, the characteristic findings of a stroke profoundly affect patients and their families, necessitating a multifaceted support system. Nurses, by addressing physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs, play a pivotal role in promoting the well-being and human flourishing of stroke patients.
References
Benjamin, E. J., Virani, S. S., Callaway, C. W., Chamberlain, A. M., Chang, A. R., Cheng, S., … & Muntner, P. (2021). Heart disease and stroke statistics—2021 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 143(8), e254-e743. ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000950
Grand Canyon University (GCU). (2020). Statement on Human Flourishing. College of Nursing and Health Care Professions. gcu.edu/college-of-nursing-and-health-care-professions.php
Example 3 (Robinson)
Discussion Post
A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident, happens when there is an interruption of blood flow to part of the brain and causes the cells in that area of the brain to die (Khaku et al., 2021). Some stroke symptoms include sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion; difficulty speaking or understanding speech; trouble seeing in one or both eyes; trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination (Khaku et al., 2021). This exposure has a profound impact on patients and their families, often causing long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
Stroke patients can experience cognitive impairment, speech impairment, emotional instability, and partial or complete paralysis. These deficits significantly affect their autonomy and require maximum rehabilitation and assistance with daily living (Poomalai et al., 2023). There is a corresponding psychosocial burden resulting from frustration, depression, anxiety, the family burden of care, loss of income, and witnessing the suffering of a loved one because of the disease.
In that respect, nurses play a very significant role in supporting patients post-stroke about their psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs. Education about the condition reduces fear and uncertainty. The nurses give emotional support by listening to their concerns and validating their feelings, thus providing security and understanding (Poomalai et al., 2023). Spiritual care is integrated with respect for their beliefs and values where healthcare providers give access to spiritual resources if needed.
For instance, the “Statement on Human Flourishing” gives a holistic approach to human development, which involves physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. A nurse can embody this by convincing a stroke victim to set realistic goals in recovering, instilling hope and motivating such a client towards recovery (Tanlaka et al., 2023). They provide an environment that enhances human flourishing, dignity, and thus, autonomy and connection. By looking at all the aspects of the well-being of a patient, nurses develop a more compassionate care experience.
Ultimately, the residual characteristic findings of stroke significantly modify the lives of patients and their families. They introduce complex challenges, which a nurse, to a large extent, must play their role in overcoming these challenges to facilitate the psychological, emotional, and spiritual development and well-being of patients toward human flourishing.
References
Khaku, A. S., Tadi, P., & Gunn, A. A. (2021). Cerebrovascular Disease (Nursing).
Poomalai, G., Prabhakar, S., Jagadesh, N. S., Geetha, M. P., & Nalini, S. J. (2023). Functional ability and health problems of stroke survivors: An explorative study. Cureus, 15(1).
Tanlaka, E. F., McIntyre, A., Connelly, D., Guitar, N., Nguyen, A., & Snobelen, N. (2023). The Role and Contributions of Nurses in Stroke Rehabilitation Units: An Integrative Review. Western journal of nursing research, 45(8), 764–776.
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