1. What risk factors do you think contributed to Bertie Botts diagnosis of Stroke?
Bertie has Type 2 diabeters which is controlled by medications, and is overweight. He is also hypertensive, although this is not stated in his history, he is prescribed medication to lower his blood pressure. All of the above are risk factors.
2. Bertie Botts temperature is 37.8 °C. Why do you think it is important as a nurse to watch out for fever?
Bertie has been thrombolysed, and this could indicate complications with the treatment, or a possible infection.
3. Considering Mr Botts is kept nil by mouth, what care would you take in terms of medication administration?
As Bertie has been thrombolysied, he would not be eligible for a nasogastric tube (NG) for 24 hours after treatment, and as he is NMB oral medication will be unable to be administered. It would be a concern as Bertie is diabetic and blood sugars will undoubtedly be affected, and temperature is raised so he could possible receive and IV paracetamol drip once prescribed. I would monitor the urine output after the saline drip in given and consider a catheter for retention if patient has not urine output once dehydration is rectified.
