Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 2
Unit No:
T/615/9210
Credits:
3
Guided learning hours:
28 hours

Assessment Guidance

Portfolio of Evidence.

Aim

The aim of this unit is to consider the causes of stroke and ways in which patients and their families can be supported during the recovery period.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Know what a stroke is.

Changes in the brain associated with a stroke may include:

  • blood supply to the brain is interrupted 
  • brain cells are starved of oxygen and essential nutrients
  • some brains cells may die and others may be damaged.

Conditions that may be mistaken for stroke may include:

  • indigestion
  • muscular strain.

Differences between stroke and TIA may include:

  • The symptoms are very similar but with a TIA the symptoms pass
  • A TIA can last from minutes to hours but do not last longer than 24 hours.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1
    Identify the changes in the brain associated with stroke.
  • 1.2
    Outline other conditions that may be mistaken for stroke.
  • 1.3
    Define the differences between stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA).

2

Know how to recognise stroke.

Signs and symptoms of stroke may include:

  • one side of the face drops
  • can't smile
  • weakness in arm
  • slurred or muddled speech.

Key stages of stroke may include:

  • initial symptoms are observed
  • condition deteriorates
  • blood clots may form
  • need to act quickly.

Assessment tests for strokes may include:

  • blood tests to determine cholesterol and blood sugar levels
  • check pulse for irregular heart beat
  • blood pressure measurement
  • brain scan e.g. CT or MRI
  • swallow tests to make sure person can swallow properly
  • heart and blood vessel tests e.g. ECG or ultrasound scan.

Potential changes may include:

  • difficulty with speech
  • mobility issues due to numbness or paralysis.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1
    List the signs and symptoms of stroke.
  • 2.2
    Identify the key stages of stroke.
  • 2.3
    Identify the assessment tests that are available to enable listing of the signs and symptoms.
  • 2.4

    Describe the potential changes that an individual may experience as a result of stroke.


3

Understand the management of risk factors for stroke.

Learners need to research prevalence of stroke in the UK to gather up-to-date information. Stroke occurs approximately 152,000 times a year in the UK; one every 3 minutes and 27 seconds (Source: January 2016 Stroke Association).

Common risk factors of stroke may include:

  • lifestyle e.g. obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, drinking
  • high blood pressure
  • high cholesterol levels
  • diabetes
  • family history.

Examples of how risk factors may vary in different settings may include:

  • service users in residential care homes are more at risk due to age factors
  • research is suggesting that active young men are at risk due to undetected heart conditions
  • some service users may be more at risk due to heart conditions such as Down's Syndrome.

Reducing the risk of stroke may include:

  • change lifestyle
  • review diet to reduce cholesterol levels
  • control diabetes
  • have regular check-ups if there is a family history.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1
    State the prevalence of stroke in the UK.
  • 3.2
    Identify the common risk factors for stroke.
  • 3.3
    Describe how risk factors may vary in different settings.
  • 3.4
    Define the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of stroke and subsequent stroke.

4

Understand the importance of emergency response and treatment for stroke.

Reason stroke is a medical emergency may include:

  • deterioration can be fast
  • stroke can result in permanent damage
  • treatment is more effective in first three to four hours.

Actions to take in response to an emergency stroke incident may include:

  • carry out the 'fast' test i.e. face, arms, speech
  • if any one of the signs is evident then call 999
  • if in doubt seek medical help.

The impact on the individual may include:

  • temporary or permanent physical disability
  • inability to communicate
  • difficulty expressing thoughts
  • frustrated, depressed, anxious, scared.

Correct airway management for stroke:

  • when someone has a stroke their airway may be at risk due to potential loss of muscle control
  • tongue can fall back and block airway making breathing difficult
  • if first person on scene, follow first aid procedures
  • if necessary, tilt head and lift chin to move tongue forward.

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1
    Describe why stroke is a medical emergency.
  • 4.2
    Describe the actions to be taken in response to an emergency stroke incident in line with agreed ways of working.
  • 4.3
    Identify the impact on the individual of the key stages of stroke.
  • 4.4
    Identify the correct early positioning for airway management.
  • 4.5
    Identify the information that needs to be included in reporting relevant and accurate history of the incident.

5

Understand the management of stroke.

Reasons for effective stroke care may include:

  • reduce risk of further injury
  • increase the possibility of the re-use of limbs or speech
  • improved quality of life
  • reduce possibility of further strokes.

Support available may include:

  • own medical practice
  • occupational therapist, physiotherapist, speech therapist
  • social worker.

Other agencies or resources may include:

  • charity organisations e.g. Stroke Association, Rainbow Trust, Headway.

Assessment Criteria

  • 5.1
    Describe why effective stroke care is important to the management of stroke.
  • 5.2
    Identify support available to individuals and others affected by stroke.
  • 5.3

    Identify other agencies or resources to signpost individual or others for additional support and guidance.