Stroke assessment in the perioperative orthopaedic patient.

A growing elderly population with an increasing number of comorbidities is presenting for orthopaedic procedures and interventions, lending themselves to greater risk for complications, including stroke. Prior stroke or transient ischemic attack, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, carotid stenosis, and advanced age are the most common risk factors for perioperative stroke. A comprehensive neurologic assessment should include a thorough history including identification of risk factors, pertinent medications, and a physical examination.

A randomized trial testing the superiority of a postdischarge care management model for stroke survivors.

Objective: We sought to evaluate whether comprehensive postdischarge care management for stroke survivors is superior to organized acute stroke department care with enhanced discharge planning in improving a profile of health and well-being.

Methods: This was a randomized trial of a comprehensive postdischarge care management intervention for patients with ischemic stroke and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores greater than or equal to 1 discharged from an acute stroke department. An advanced practice nurse performed an in-home assessment for the intervention group from which an interdisciplinary team developed patient-specific care plans.

Accuracy of a bedside dysphagia screening: a comparison of registered nurses and speech therapists.

Evidence-based guidelines suggest that stroke patients should be screened for dysphagia before oral intake. The purpose of this study was to validate a dysphagia screening tool comparing registered nurses (RNs) with speech therapists (STs). All stroke unit patients who received predetermined scores on specific items of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale were eligible for screening.