Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA): Causes, Care, and Nursing Interventions

The Pathophysiology of Cerebrovascular Accident

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) is a medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, resulting in a lack of oxygen to the brain. This condition can lead to a stroke, which is a medical emergency (Yu et al., 2019). The most common causes of a CVA are a blockage in a blood vessel, a rupture of a blood vessel, or a decrease in the blood supply due to a medical condition like high blood pressure.

Cultural, Financial, and Environmental Implications of the Disease

It is vital to consider the cultural, financial, and environmental factors influencing the disease process. In certain societies, there could be a negative societal perception of getting medical assistance for a CVA, which can keep a person from getting the care they need (Govender et al., 2019). Additionally, money can also be an issue, as some therapies and drugs for a CVA may not be affordable and may not be included in health insurance plans (Govender et al., 2019). Finally, environmental factors, such as access to clean water, nutritious food, and air quality, can affect the risk of a CVA (Lima et al., 2019). These factors can all contribute to hypertension.

Priority Nursing Interventions for the Client in the Emergency Department

When caring for a patient with a CVA, there are several priority nursing interventions to be considered. These interventions involve checking the patient’s vital signs, helping them with their physical comfort, and offering psychological support to the patient and their loved ones. Additionally, the nurse should assess the patient’s level of consciousness and neurological status, and document any changes in the patient’s condition.

Laboratory and Diagnostic Testing

When considering labs and diagnostic tests for a patient with a CVA, it is crucial to consider ones that can provide information about the cause of the CVA, as well as tests that can help monitor the patient’s progress (Lima et al., 2019). Tests, such as a complete blood count, a lipid panel, an electrocardiogram, a carotid duplex ultrasound, and a brain imaging study, such as a CT scan or an MRI, may be ordered. Additionally, tests, such as a coagulation profile and a thrombolytic therapy, can be used.

Inclusion of an Interdisciplinary Team

For someone with a CVA a comprehensive, patient-focused care should be provided. For that purpose, it is essential to pull together a multidisciplinary team (Lima et al., 2019). This group should contain the patient’s primary care physician, a neurologist, a physical or occupational therapist, a speech-language therapist, a nutritionist, and a social worker.

References

Govender, P., Bricknell, K., Naidoo, D., Message, H., Njoko, S., & Ayob, Z. (2019). ‘No one prepared me to go home’: Cerebrovascular accident survivors’ experiences of community reintegration in a peri-urban context. African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine, 11(1), 1-8.

Lima, R. J. D., Pimenta, C. J. L., Frazão, M. C. L. D. O., Ferreira, G. R. S., Costa, T. F. D., Viana, L. R. D. C., & Costa, K. N. D. F. M. (2019). Functional capacity and social support to people affected by cerebrovascular accident. Revista Brasileira De Enfermagem, 72, 868-873.

Yu, P. L., Wang, C., Li, W., & Zhang, F. X. (2019). Visfatin level and the risk of hypertension and cerebrovascular accident: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Hormone and Metabolic Research, 51(04), 220-229.

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StudyCorgi. "Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA): Causes, Care, and Nursing Interventions." March 27, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/cerebrovascular-accident-cva-causes-care-and-nursing-interventions/.

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StudyCorgi. 2025. "Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA): Causes, Care, and Nursing Interventions." March 27, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/cerebrovascular-accident-cva-causes-care-and-nursing-interventions/.

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