List common post-stroke complications to monitor during inpatient care.

List common post-stroke complications to monitor during inpatient care.

• A. Pneumonia, DVT/PE, seizures, edema, hemorrhagic transformation, hydrocephalus, and pressure ulcers.
• B. Hyperkalemia and diabetes alone.
• C. Only fever and chest pain.
• D. Migraine with aura.

Answer: (C)

Post-stroke inpatient monitoring must cover a wide range of complications that commonly develop as patients recover. The brain injury and resulting immobility put patients at risk for problems across multiple systems: pulmonary infections such as pneumonia from aspiration or reduced movement; vascular issues like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism; neurological changes such as new-onset seizures, cerebral edema, hemorrhagic transformation, or hydrocephalus; and skin or systemic problems like pressure ulcers and urinary tract infections. Delirium and other cognitive changes can also arise in the hospital setting, further impacting recovery. Fever and chest pain might occur, but they don’t capture the breadth of risks that require vigilant monitoring to prevent secondary injury and support rehabilitation.

Post-stroke inpatient monitoring must cover a wide range of complications that commonly develop as patients recover. The brain injury and resulting immobility put patients at risk for problems across multiple systems: pulmonary infections such as pneumonia from aspiration or reduced movement; vascular issues like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism; neurological changes such as new-onset seizures, cerebral edema, hemorrhagic transformation, or hydrocephalus; and skin or systemic problems like pressure ulcers and urinary tract infections. Delirium and other cognitive changes can also arise in the hospital setting, further impacting recovery. Fever and chest pain might occur, but they don’t capture the breadth of risks that require vigilant monitoring to prevent secondary injury and support rehabilitation.