Ischemic stroke 
Definition
Is an unexpected loss of functioning resulting from the distruction in blood supply to a part of the brain.(M. Zomorodi, 2015)
Risk factors
High cholesterol levels
Elevated hematocrit
Diabetes mellitus and hypertension
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Use of oral contraceptives
Age and gender
Genetics and race (M.Zomorodi, 2015)
Pathophysiology
Occlusion of the artery.
Decrease in blood flow.
Decrease in oxygen and nutrition supply to the brain.
There is an increase in glutamine and aspartate.
The high levels of Calcium, sodium and chlorine leads to the decrease in potassium.
Then there is increase in cell death (M. Zomorodi, 2015).
Clinical manifestations
Motor loss- paralysis of one side of the body (M. Zomorodi, 2015).
Sensory loss- temporary loss of vision or double vision.
Speech loss and slurred speech
Perceptual disturbances
Cognitive impairment
Diagnostic studies
12-lead electrocardiogram
Carotid ultrasound standard test
Cerebral angiography
Transthoracic
Xenon CT
Non- Contrast Computed Tomography scan (M. Zomorodi, 2015)
Treatment
Administration of warfarin sodium
50mg/d of aspirin
400 mg/d of dipyridamole
Thrombolytic therapy
Endarterectomy (M. Zomorodi, 2015)
Nursing intervention
Improve mobility and prevent compressive neuropathies
Encourage self care and patient should be well dressed according to their condition
To avoid dysphagia patients should be taught about foods they need to eat and that are easy to be swallowed.
Always ensure that the feeding inserted.
Patients should be inserted with indwelling catheter, in order to empty urinary bladder.
If patient is bedridden, there is a need for timing and positioning schedule (M. Zomorodi, 2015)
Which leads to the decrease in stored energy
Leading to the opening of calcium channels