Included in this guide are 12 nursing diagnoses for stroke (cerebrovascular accident) nursing care plans. Know about the nursing interventions for stroke, assessment, goals, and related factors of each nursing diagnosis and care plan.
What is Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) or Stroke?
Cerebrovascular accident (CVA), also known as stroke, cerebral infarction, brain attack, is any functional or structural abnormality of the brain caused by a pathological condition of the cerebral vessels of the entire cerebrovascular system. It is the sudden impairment of cerebral circulation in one or more blood vessels supplying the brain. This pathology either causes hemorrhage from a tear in the vessel wall or impairs the cerebral circulation by partial or complete occlusion of the vessel lumen with transient or permanent effects. The sooner the circulation returns to normal after a stroke, the better the chances are for a full recovery. However, about half of those who survived a stroke remain disabled permanently and experience the recurrence within weeks, months, or years.
Thrombosis, embolism, and hemorrhage are the primary causes of stroke, with thrombosis being the leading cause of both CVAs and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). The most common vessels involved are the carotid arteries and those of the vertebrobasilar system at the base of the brain.
A thrombotic CVA causes a slow evolution of symptoms, usually over several hours, and is “completed” when the condition stabilizes. An embolic CVA occurs when a clot is carried into cerebral circulation and causes a localized cerebral infarct. Hemorrhagic CVA is caused by other conditions such as a ruptured aneurysm, hypertension, arteriovenous (AV) malformations, or other bleeding disorders.
Nursing Care Plans
The primary nursing care plan goals for patients with stroke depend on the phase of CVA the client is in. During the acute phase of CVA, efforts should focus on survival needs and prevent further complications. Care revolves around efficient continuing neurologic assessment, support of respiration, continuous monitoring of vital signs, careful positioning to avoid aspiration and contractures, management of GI problems, and monitoring of electrolyte and nutritional status. Nursing care should also include measures to prevent complications.
Listed below are 12 nursing diagnoses for stroke (cerebrovascular accident) nursing care plans:
- Risk for Ineffective Cerebral Tissue Perfusion
- Impaired Physical Mobility
- Impaired Verbal Communication
- Acute Pain
- Ineffective Coping
- Self-Care Deficit
- Risk for Impaired Swallowing
- Activity Intolerance
- Risk for Unilateral Neglect
- Deficient Knowledge
- Risk for Disuse Syndrome
- Risk for Injury
- Other Nursing Diagnosis
NOTE: This nursing care plan is recently updated with new content and a change in formatting. Nursing assessment and nursing interventions are listed in bold and followed by their specific rationale in the following line. Still, when writing nursing care plans, follow the format here.
Self-Care Deficit
Nursing Diagnosis
May be related to
Common related factors for this nursing diagnosis:
- Neuromuscular impairment, decreased strength and endurance, loss of muscle control/coordination
- Perceptual/cognitive impairment
- Pain/discomfort
- Depression
May be evidenced by
The common assessment cues that could serve as defining characteristics or part of your “as evidenced by” in your diagnostic statement.
- Impaired ability to perform ADLs, e.g., inability to bring food from receptacle to mouth; inability to wash body part(s), regulate temperature of water; impaired ability to put on/take off clothing; difficulty completing toileting tasks
Desired goals and outcomes
Common goals and expected outcomes:
- Patient will demonstrate techniques/lifestyle changes to meet self-care needs.
- Patient will perform self-care activities within level of own ability.
- Patient will identify personal/community resources that can provide assistance as needed.
Nursing Assessment and Rationales
Here is the nursing assessment for this cerebrovascular accident (stroke) nursing care plan.
1. Assess abilities and level of deficit (0–4 scale) for performing ADLs.
Aids in planning for meeting individual needs.
2. Assess the patient’s ability to communicate the need to void and the ability to use a urinal bedpan. Take the patient to the bathroom at periodic intervals for voiding if appropriate.
Patient may have a neurogenic bladder, be inattentive, or be unable to communicate needs in the acute recovery phase, but usually can regain independent control of this function as recovery progresses.
3. Identify previous bowel habits and reestablish a normal regimen. Increase bulk in diet, encourage fluid intake, increased activity.
Assists in developing a retraining program (independence) and aids in preventing constipation and impaction (long-term effects).
Nursing Interventions and Rationales
The following are the nursing interventions for this stroke nursing care plan.
1. Avoid doing things for the patient that patient can do for themself, but assist as necessary.
To maintain self-esteem and promote recovery, the patient needs to do as much as possible for themself. These patients may become fearful and dependent, although assistance helps prevent frustration.
2. Be aware of impulsive actions suggestive of impaired judgment.
May indicate the need for additional interventions and supervision to promote patient safety.
3. Maintain a supportive, firm attitude. Allow the patient sufficient time to accomplish tasks. Don’t rush the patient.
Patients need empathy and to know caregivers will be consistent in their assistance.
4. Provide positive feedback for efforts and accomplishments.
Enhances sense of self-worth, promotes independence, and encourages the patient to continue endeavors.
5. Create a plan for visual deficits that are present: Place food and utensils on the tray related to patient’s unaffected side; Situate the bed, so that patient’s unaffected side is facing the room with the affected side to the wall; Position furniture against the wall/out of travel path.
The patient will be able to see to eat the food. Will be able to see when getting in/out of bed and observe anyone who comes into the room. Provides safety when the patient can move around the room, reducing the risk of tripping/falling over furniture.
6. Provide self-help devices: extensions with hooks for picking things up from the floor, toilet risers, long-handled brushes, drinking straw, leg bag for catheter, shower chair. Encourage good grooming and makeup habits.
To enable the patient to manage for self, enhancing independence and self-esteem, reduce reliance on others for meeting own needs, and enables the patient to be more socially active.
7. Encourage SO to allow the patient to do self-care as much as possible.
Reestablishes a sense of independence and fosters self-worth, and enhances the rehabilitation process. Note: This may be very difficult and frustrating for the caregiver, depending on the degree of disability and time required for the patient to complete an activity.
8. Teach the patient to comb hair, dress, and wash.
To promote a sense of independence and self-esteem.
9. Refer the patient to a physical and occupational therapist.
Rehabilitation helps to relearn skills that are lost when part of the brain is damaged. It also teaches new ways of performing tasks to circumvent or compensate for any residual disabilities.
Recommended Resources
Recommended nursing diagnosis and nursing care plan books and resources.
Disclosure: Included below are affiliate links from Amazon at no additional cost from you. We may earn a small commission from your purchase. For more information, check out our privacy policy.
- Nursing Care Plans: Nursing Diagnosis and Intervention (10th Edition)
An awesome book to help you create and customize effective nursing care plans. We highly recommend this book for its completeness and ease of use. - Nurse’s Pocket Guide: Diagnoses, Prioritized Interventions and Rationales
A quick-reference tool to easily select the appropriate nursing diagnosis to plan your patient’s care effectively. - NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions & Classification, 2021-2023 (12th Edition)
The official and definitive guide to nursing diagnoses as reviewed and approved by the NANDA-I. This book focuses on the nursing diagnostic labels, their defining characteristics, and risk factors – this does not include nursing interventions and rationales. - Nursing Diagnosis Handbook, 12th Edition Revised Reprint with 2021-2023 NANDA-I® Updates
Another great nursing care plan resource that is updated to include the recent NANDA-I updates. - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5(TM))
Useful for creating nursing care plans related to mental health and psychiatric nursing. - Ulrich & Canale’s Nursing Care Planning Guides, 8th Edition
Claims to have the most in-depth care plans of any nursing care planning book. Includes 31 detailed nursing diagnosis care plans and 63 disease/disorder care plans. - Maternal Newborn Nursing Care Plans (3rd Edition)
If you’re looking for specific care plans related to maternal and newborn nursing care, this book is for you. - Nursing Diagnosis Manual: Planning, Individualizing, and Documenting Client Care (7th Edition)
An easy-to-use nursing care plan book that is updated with the latest diagnosis from NANDA-I 2021-2023. - All-in-One Nursing Care Planning Resource: Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, Maternity, and Psychiatric-Mental Health (5th Edition)
Definitely an all-in-one resources for nursing care planning. It has over 100 care plans for different nursing topics.
See also
Other recommended site resources for this nursing care plan:
- Nursing Care Plans (NCP): Ultimate Guide and Database
Over 150+ nursing care plans for different diseases and conditions. Includes our easy-to-follow guide on how to create nursing care plans from scratch. - Nursing Diagnosis Guide and List: All You Need to Know to Master Diagnosing
Our comprehensive guide on how to create and write diagnostic labels. Includes detailed nursing care plan guides for common nursing diagnostic labels.
Other nursing care plans related to neurological disorders:
- Alzheimer’s Disease | 15 Care Plans
- Brain Tumor | 3 Care Plans
- Cerebral Palsy | 7 Care Plans
- Cerebrovascular Accident | 12 Care Plans
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome | 6 Care Plans
- Meningitis | 7 Care Plans
- Multiple Sclerosis | 9 Care Plans
- Parkinson’s Disease | 9 Care Plans
- Seizure Disorder | 4 Care Plans
- Spinal Cord Injury | 12 Care Plans
References and Sources
The following are the references and recommended sources for stroke nursing care plans and nursing diagnosis, including interesting resources to further your reading about the topic:
- Acharya, A. B., & Wroten, M. (2017). Wernicke Aphasia.
- Amarenco, P., Lavallée, P. C., Monteiro Tavares, L., Labreuche, J., Albers, G. W., Abboud, H., … & Wong, L. K. (2018). Five-year risk of stroke after TIA or minor ischemic stroke. New England Journal of Medicine, 378(23), 2182-2190.
- Crawford, A., & Harris, H. (2016). Caring for adults with impaired physical mobility. Nursing2020, 46(12), 36-41.
- Cumbler, E., & Glasheen, J. (2007). Management of blood pressure after acute ischemic stroke: An evidence‐based guide for the hospitalist. Journal of Hospital Medicine: An Official Publication of the Society of Hospital Medicine, 2(4), 261-267.
- Dowswell, G., Dowswell, T., & Young, J. (2000). Adjusting stroke patients’ poor position: an observational study. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 32(2), 286-291.
- Gorelick, P. B., Farooq, M. U., & Min, J. (2015). Population-based approaches for reducing stroke risk. Expert review of cardiovascular therapy, 13(1), 49-56.
- Hansen, A. P., Marcussen, N. S., Klit, H., Andersen, G., Finnerup, N. B., & Jensen, T. S. (2012). Pain following stroke: a prospective study. European journal of pain, 16(8), 1128-1136.
- Kazemzadeh, Z., Manzari, Z. S., & Pouresmail, Z. (2017). Nursing interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalized patients: a systematic review. International nursing review, 64(2), 263-275.
- Kumar, R., Metter, E. J., Mehta, A. J., & Chew, T. (1990). Shoulder pain in hemiplegia. The role of exercise. American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation, 69(4), 205-208.
- Lankhorst, G. J., & Bouter, L. M. (2002). Risk factors for hemiplegic shoulder pain: A systematic review. Critical Reviews’ in Physical and Rehabilitation. Medicine, 14(3&4), 223-233.
- Li, J., Yuan, M., Liu, Y., Zhao, Y., Wang, J., & Guo, W. (2017). Incidence of constipation in stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine, 96(25).
- Li, Z., & Alexander, S. A. (2015). Current evidence in the management of poststroke hemiplegic shoulder pain: a review. Journal Of Neuroscience Nursing, 47(1), 10-19.
- Marler, J. R., Tilley, B. C., Lu, M., Brott, T. G., Lyden, P. C., Grotta, J. C., … & NINDS rt-PA Stroke Study Group. (2000). Early stroke treatment associated with better outcome: the NINDS rt-PA stroke study. Neurology, 55(11), 1649-1655.
- Menon, B. K., & Demchuk, A. M. (2011). Computed tomography angiography in the assessment of patients with stroke/TIA. The Neurohospitalist, 1(4), 187-199.
- Ovbiagele, B., Kidwell, C. S., Starkman, S., & Saver, J. L. (2003). Neuroprotective agents for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Current neurology and neuroscience reports, 3(1), 9-20.
- Purnawinadi, I. G. (2019). The Characteristics Of Impaired Physical Mobility Among Patients With Stroke. Klabat Journal of Nursing, 1(1), 1-8.
- Sacco, R. L. (2004). Risk factors for TIA and TIA as a risk factor for stroke. Neurology, 62(8 suppl 6), S7-S11.
- Shah, R. S., & Cole, J. W. (2010). Smoking and stroke: the more you smoke the more you stroke. Expert review of cardiovascular
- Tyson, S. F., & Chissim, C. (2002). The immediate effect of handling technique on range of movement in the hemiplegic shoulder. Clinical rehabilitation, 16(2), 137-140.
- Xie, H. M., Guo, T. T., Sun, X., Ge, H. X., Chen, X. D., Zhao, K. J., & Zhang, L. N. (2021). Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin A in Treatment of Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
there is a lot of good information but I don’t know how to cite the website and the author in the APA format
I agree with the comment above! How can we cite this awesome website?!
Vera, M. (2013, August 2). Nursing care plans: 8 cerebrovascular accident (stroke) nursing care plans. Retrieved October 24, 2013, from Nurses labs: https://nurseslabs.com/8-cerebrovascular-accident-stroke-nursing-care-plans/#Impaired_Verbal_Communication
APA 6th Edition
Make sure to italicize: Nursing care plans: 8 cerebrovascular accident (stroke) nursing care plans.
Slight correction on what was posted:
Vera, M. (2013). 8+ Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke) Nursing Care Plans. Retrieved from https://nurseslabs.com/8-cerebrovascular-accident-stroke-nursing-care-plans/11/
And, as stated, make sure to italicize the title.
Very educational, learnt a lot how to provide care with a client who has had a CVA.
Great info! Very helpful.
very precise and informative. thank you.
Thank you :O had to be my last concept map ever for nursing school :)
Thanks so much for these topics,is highly refreshing.
Hi. Everything you have here is super helpful. But, I could figure out how to put this in in text citation. Can you help?
Hello Vikki. Sure. You can use a tool like bibme.org to make citations. Just enter the link and fill up the details. Here, I went ahead and made you the APA citation for this study guide:
Vera, M., RN. (2019, February 12). 8 Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke) Nursing Care Plans.
Retrieved from https://nurseslabs.com/8-cerebrovascular-accident-stroke-nursing-care-plans/
Comment: the information was precise and helpful. thank you
Very informative
I love this site and it has helped me so much through school, but I need to address an intervention here: One should NEVER massage any reddened areas. Please fix this
It’s very helpful .very informative.
Very helpful for nursing students like me.
I am so impressed by this plan , its quite teaching to nursing students.
This is better than all the books i am studying right now im nursing school. Im on my last year and i just realised they have never taught us this stuff. Bookmarking this page so i can read it after exams
Very articulate piece. It has guided writing my care plans
This site is very educational and informative! Great work done!
Nice visiting this site, it has helped me a lot in drawing good care plan.
This source is reliable