Stroke: call 911. Nursing recognition & response.

Abstract

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and primary cause of disability in the United States. In 1997 the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke presented a national symposium hailing the use of tPA in minimizing disability from stroke. Guidelines detailing eligibility for tPA were published, clinical treatment pathways were developed, outcomes were identified, and public education campaigns initiated to teach the warning signs of stroke. Yet, five years later, it is estimated that less than 5% of stroke victims are treated with tPA.