Acute Cerebral Infarction Nursing Care Strategies

Patients suffering from acute cerebral infarction often experience physical impairments such as paralysis or muscle weakness, making effective nursing care essential for recovery and complication prevention. Implementing proper care techniques not only improves patient comfort but also enhances rehabilitation outcomes. Below are key nursing strategies tailored to meet the specific needs of patients during the acute phase of cerebral infarction.

Oral Hygiene Maintenance

One of the often-overlooked aspects of patient care is oral hygiene. Due to limited mobility or consciousness, patients may be unable to brush their teeth independently. To prevent bacterial buildup and potential infections, caregivers should use sterile cotton swabs or provide gentle mouth rinses. Maintaining clean oral conditions helps reduce the risk of respiratory complications and promotes overall health during recovery.

Regular Position Changes and Back Patting

Immobility increases the risk of developing complications such as pressure ulcers and respiratory infections like aspiration pneumonia. Nurses and caregivers should assist patients in changing positions every few hours and perform regular back patting to encourage mucus clearance. This practice supports lung expansion and helps prevent the accumulation of fluids in the lungs, significantly lowering the risk of respiratory infections.

Safe Feeding Practices

Proper feeding techniques are crucial for patients with limited mobility or swallowing difficulties. It is recommended to elevate the head of the bed to a semi-upright or seated position during meals to reduce the risk of choking and aspiration. After eating, patients should remain upright for a short period before reclining. For those unable to eat orally, nasogastric feeding may be necessary to ensure adequate nutrition while minimizing the risk of aspiration pneumonia.

Optimal Positioning During Rest

Correct positioning while lying down plays a vital role in preventing joint stiffness and muscle contractures. When the patient is in a supine position, the affected hand should be gently extended with fingers spread apart to maintain mobility and reduce the risk of deformities. In the lateral position, the affected arm should be supported using pillows or stools to keep it straight, while the lower limb on the affected side should be extended. For the unaffected side, the limb can be slightly flexed and supported with a pillow to ensure comfort and alignment.

Supportive Sitting Position

When the patient is seated, proper support should be provided using pillows or cushions to maintain good posture. The affected arm should be elevated and supported to prevent strain, while the legs should be extended as much as possible to promote circulation and reduce spasticity. This positioning helps prevent muscle stiffness and prepares the patient for future rehabilitation therapies, ultimately supporting a smoother recovery process.