Nursing care for acute stroke patients

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is responsible for high levels of mortality. Implementing clinical procedures, such as work instructions, allows the application of interventions based on the latest scientific evidence and guidelines. In the emergency department, nurses play a fundamental role in approaching and caring for patients with suspected stroke in the acute phase. Objective: To determine the usefulness and feasibility of a work instruction on nursing intervention in the approach to the patient with suspected stroke in the acute phase, from the nurse's perspective. Materials and Methods: A survey was carried out, based on a quantitative-descriptive study. The questionnaires assessed the degree of agreement or disagreement using a 5-point Likert scale. Results: The usefulness and feasibility of the work instructions presented is, from the perspective of the nurses in this emergency department, possible. Areas for improvement are identified, such as the need to reorganize the team, resources and circuits. Conclusions: The existence and application of work instructions is important and adds value to the care provided to patients with suspected stroke in the acute phase, and knowing the nurses' perspective is fundamental. They increase safety, confidence and quality of care, promoting an organized and specialized standardization of care. Early detection and a reduction in wasted time is also seen as advantageous in the direct provision of care and in reducing possible complications. Therefore, knowing the nurses' perspective is fundamental.