Stroke Nursing Course

Lesson 1 • Stroke Epidemiology and Risk Factors

Presents modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors and global stroke burden. Grounds clinical care decisions in population-level evidence.

Lesson 2 • Brain Anatomy and Vascular Supply

Covers cerebral lobes, brainstem, cerebellum, and arterial territories. Provides the anatomical framework needed to localise stroke deficits throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Haemorrhagic Stroke Mechanisms

Distinguishes intracerebral haemorrhage from subarachnoid haemorrhage by cause and pathology. Connects haemorrhage type to distinct nursing priorities.

Lesson 4 • Ischaemic Stroke Mechanisms

Explains thrombotic, embolic, and lacunar ischaemia at the cellular level. Links mechanism type to clinical presentation and treatment urgency.

Lesson 1 • Stroke Mimics and Differential Diagnosis

Identifies conditions that resemble stroke, including hypoglycaemia, seizure, and migraine. Reduces misdiagnosis risk and prevents inappropriate thrombolysis.

Lesson 2 • NIH Stroke Scale Administration

Teaches item-by-item NIHSS scoring with standardised commands and scoring rules. Accurate NIHSS scores guide treatment eligibility and track neurological change.

Lesson 3 • Vital Signs and Haemodynamic Monitoring

Addresses blood pressure targets, cardiac monitoring, and oxygen saturation in acute stroke. Haemodynamic parameters directly influence reperfusion decisions.

Lesson 4 • Prehospital and Emergency Identification

Covers FAST and BE-FAST tools, EMS handoff, and door-to-imaging targets. Establishes the nurse's role in activating the stroke team immediately.

Lesson 1 • Critical Laboratory Values in Stroke

Covers glucose, coagulation studies, platelet count, and renal function relevant to thrombolysis and anticoagulation. Prompt recognition of abnormal values prevents treatment errors.

Lesson 2 • Non-Contrast CT Interpretation Basics

Explains early ischaemic changes, haemorrhage identification, and Alberta Stroke Programme Early CT Score. Nurses use these findings to anticipate treatment eligibility.

Lesson 3 • Advanced Neuroimaging Modalities

Introduces CT angiography, CT perfusion, and MRI sequences used in stroke triage. Nurses understand what each modality reveals and why it is ordered.

Lesson 1 • Post-Thrombolysis Monitoring Protocol

Establishes neurological and vital sign monitoring frequency, blood pressure management, and bleeding recognition after thrombolysis. Early detection of complications preserves outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Endovascular Thrombectomy Nursing Role

Describes patient preparation, consent support, and post-procedure care for mechanical thrombectomy. Nurses coordinate logistics and monitor for access site and neurological complications.

Lesson 3 • IV Thrombolysis Eligibility and Contraindications

Details inclusion and exclusion criteria for alteplase and tenecteplase administration. Accurate eligibility screening prevents harm and maximises treatment benefit.

Lesson 4 • Thrombolytic Drug Preparation and Administration

Covers weight-based dosing, reconstitution, bolus and infusion technique for alteplase and tenecteplase. Correct preparation prevents dosing errors with high-alert medications.

Lesson 1 • Glycaemic Control and Fever Management

Addresses hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia harm in stroke and fever's effect on infarct expansion. Tight monitoring and prompt intervention reduce secondary neurological injury.

Lesson 2 • Venous Thromboembolism Prevention

Implements mechanical and pharmacological VTE prophylaxis strategies appropriate to stroke type. Prevents deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in immobile patients.

Lesson 3 • Neurological Deterioration Recognition

Identifies causes of early neurological worsening including oedema, haemorrhagic transformation, and seizure. Rapid escalation prevents irreversible secondary brain injury.

Lesson 4 • Airway, Oxygenation, and Dysphagia Screening

Covers oxygen supplementation criteria, aspiration risk, and validated swallowing screening tools. Dysphagia management prevents aspiration pneumonia, a leading stroke complication.

Lesson 1 • Cardiac Complications of Haemorrhagic Stroke

Identifies neurogenic stunned myocardium, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and ECG changes common after SAH. Cardiac monitoring and early cardiology collaboration improve survival.

Lesson 2 • Intracerebral Haemorrhage Nursing Priorities

Focuses on aggressive blood pressure reduction, reversal of anticoagulation, and haematoma expansion prevention. These priorities are distinct from ischaemic stroke management.

Lesson 3 • Hydrocephalus and Ventricular Drain Management

Addresses obstructive hydrocephalus recognition and external ventricular drain setup, levelling, and troubleshooting. Drain management errors can cause rapid neurological decline.

Lesson 4 • Intracranial Pressure Monitoring and Management

Explains ICP waveform interpretation, cerebral perfusion pressure calculation, and nursing interventions to reduce ICP. Maintaining CPP prevents secondary ischaemic injury.

Lesson 1 • Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Team Collaboration

Defines nursing roles within the stroke rehabilitation team alongside physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech pathology. Coordinated goal-setting accelerates functional gains.

Lesson 2 • Early Mobilisation and Positioning

Establishes evidence-based timelines for out-of-bed activity and therapeutic positioning after stroke. Early mobilisation reduces complications and promotes neuroplasticity.

Lesson 3 • Continence and Bowel Management

Manages urinary incontinence, retention, and constipation common after stroke. Continence care preserves skin integrity and supports rehabilitation participation.

Lesson 4 • Dysphagia Management and Nutrition Support

Extends swallowing assessment to texture-modified diets, enteral feeding, and oral care. Adequate nutrition supports brain recovery and prevents aspiration pneumonia.

Lesson 1 • Antiplatelet and Anticoagulation Therapy

Covers antiplatelet agents for non-cardioembolic stroke and anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation-related stroke. Nurses educate patients on adherence, monitoring, and bleeding precautions.

Lesson 2 • Atrial Fibrillation Management Education

Educates patients with AF on anticoagulation purpose, pulse self-monitoring, and follow-up requirements. AF is the most common modifiable cardioembolic stroke risk factor.

Lesson 3 • Risk Factor Modification Education

Delivers structured education on hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, smoking, and physical activity. Behaviour change reduces recurrent stroke risk by up to 80 percent.

Lesson 4 • Discharge Planning and Care Transitions

Coordinates discharge destination assessment, community referrals, and follow-up appointment scheduling. Structured transitions reduce 30-day readmission and recurrent stroke rates.