ABSTRACT
Introduction After the hyperacute treatment phase of stroke care, medical and nursing management focuses on prevention of complications that can occur with all types of stroke. These include aspiration pneumonia, pulmonary embolism (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), urinary tract infection (UTI), malnutrition, dehydration, bowel and bladder dysfunction, joint abnormalities, seizures, and decubitus ulcers.1 A study by Ingeman et al. enrolled 13,721 stroke patients between 2003 and 2009 and found that 25.2% of patients experienced one or more medical complication during hospitalization. Urinary tract infection (15.4%), pneumonia (9.0), and constipation (6.8%) were the most frequent complications in this population study.2 Complications can hinder the progression of rehabilitation, have an impact on clinical outcomes, extend length of stay, and increase mortality.3 A geographically designated area to care for stroke patients with trained health-care providers ensures coordinated delivery of care and enhances communication among the team of caregivers. This is the optimal setting in which to prevent secondary complications.4,5
Infections Urinary tract infection and pneumonia are the most frequent complications of stroke and are a common cause of increased hospital stays and delayed rehabilitation. Infection should be suspected if the patient develops fever or a change in the level of consciousness (LOC).
