Final answer:
A Nursing Assistant (NA) should monitor and assist with physical, occupational, and speech therapies during a stroke patient's recovery, recognize the signs of a stroke using the FAST mnemonic, and collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure comprehensive patient care.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a resident is recovering from a stroke, the Nursing Assistant (NA) plays a crucial role in their recovery process. The recovery from a stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) depends largely on the speed and type of treatment received. One of the first interventions may involve the administration of blood-thinning drugs or thrombolytic agents in cases of a thrombotic stroke, which help dissolve blood clots that are blocking blood flow to the brain. The NA should be familiar with the FAST mnemonic, which stands for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time, to recognize the signs of a stroke and ensure timely medical attention. After initial treatment, the NA should assist the patient with ongoing physical, occupational, and speech therapy, helping them to relearn lost functions since the nervous system is remarkably adaptable. Monitoring rehabilitation exercises, encouraging the use of new software programs designed to help regain problem-solving skills, and attending to the patient's overall well-being are among the responsibilities of the NA. The NA should also collaborate with health care professionals like surgeons, nurses, and therapists to ensure comprehensive care during recovery, tailored to the individual needs of the patient.