Question

The nurse is preparing health education for a patient who is being discharged after hospitalization for a hemorrhagic stroke. What content should the nurse include in this education?

A) Mild, intermittent seizures can be expected.
B) Take ibuprofen for complaints of a serious headache.
C) Take antihypertensive medication as ordered.
D) Drowsiness is normal for the first week after discharge.

Answer 1

For a patient discharged after a hemorrhagic stroke, health education should emphasize taking antihypertensive medication as directed, avoiding ibuprofen for headaches, monitoring neurological changes, and seeking medical attention for persistent or severe symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should include in the health education for a patient being discharged after hospitalization for a hemorrhagic stroke the importance of taking antihypertensive medication as ordered. High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for stroke, and managing it is crucial to prevent future strokes. While mild, intermittent seizures are not expected, the patient should be advised to monitor for any signs of neurological changes and seek immediate medical assistance if they occur. Patients should not take ibuprofen for a serious headache post-stroke, as it can increase the risk of bleeding. It is also important to note that while some symptoms such as light drowsiness may be normal shortly after discharge, persistent or severe drowsiness warrants medical attention.