Critical Path Network: Follow these steps for stroke patients

Critical Path Network

Follow these steps for stroke patients

Nursing standing orders for ED patients with stroke symptoms at Community Medical Center in Toms River, NJ, include the following:

• Check vital signs with pulse oximetry.
• Perform AccuCheck blood sugar.
• Document patient weight.
• Document time of onset of symptoms.
• Insert saline lock 20 gauge or larger.
• Draw labs from saline solution lock.
• Give nasal oxygen 2L per minute after pulse oximetry.
• Connect to cardiac monitor.
• Give 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG).
• Obtain old ECG for comparison.
• Begin thrombolytic exclusion checklist.
• Note obvious magnetic resonance imaging exclusion criteria.
• Do not administer heparin, warfarin, or aspirin until ordered.