What Would Nurse Jackie Do – Signs of a Stroke

A medical crisis can bring up a whirlwind of emotions and responses, from both the person affected, and those witnessing any type of medical event such as a heart attack or stroke. While any medical emergency requires the quick response of a 911 team, if it comes to understanding the signs of a stroke, there are a few guidelines that any person can take.
Showtime’s Nurse Jackie aired an episode in which a man suffered a stroke while in a hospital bed. Nurse Jackie, played by Edie Falco, asked the man three questions to ascertain his condition:

• Can you smile for me?
• Can you lift both of your arms?
• Can you say anything to me?

These three questions can indicate whether a patient has suffered a stroke. Typically speaking, a stroke damages areas of the brain due to a loss of oxygen, and usually affects speech, memory and movement. The questions that Nurse Jackie asked touch on the areas that are affected, giving a nurse or physician an indication of the problem and severity of the stroke. Other signs of a stroke include:

• Vision loss, blurring or decreased vision in one or both eyes
• Weakness, numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg on either or both sides of the body
• Difficulty swallowing, speaking or understanding
• Dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall
• Unexplained change in the pattern of headaches, or a severe headache with an abrupt onset

While fictional, Nurse Jackie’s nursing education played a large role in her ability to judge the symptoms of the stroke, as well as remain calm and compassionate while treating the patient. A degree in nursing not only teaches the medical side of nursing, but enhances the natural healing qualities in each student, whether dealing with a crisis situation, or providing wellness information to patients, or anywhere in between.

You are at risk for a stroke if you have any of these factors:

• Poor diet/ lack of exercise/being overweight
• High blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Cigarette smoking
• Drinking too much alcohol

Understanding the symptoms of a stroke are important for everyone, however, a medical professional such as a nurse with a degree in nursing is the best judge of these situations. If you suspect you have had a stroke, or you witness someone else displaying the signs of a stroke, be sure to seek medical care immediately.

Labels: crisis, Emergency Care, Healthcare, Nursing, preventative care, stroke