POST STROKE DEPRESSION

Post Stroke Depression

Table of Contents

Introduction3

Gibbs Cycle4

Critical Incident6

Description of the Event6

Feelings7

Evaluation9

Analysis10

Conclusion and Recommendations19

Action Plan20

References23

Appendix26

Post Stroke Depression

Introduction

After a stroke, nearly two out of three patients develop depression or depressive syndrome. In most cases, this complication is mild. However, for one out of four, the picture is worse. The depression complicating the evolution of a stroke may occur shortly after the onset of symptoms neurological. Sometimes, however, it apparently would take several months after the accident. Research investigating the effects of stroke has been focused mostly on the physical effects. There has been less research investigating the effect of depression on recovery from stroke and the effects on rehabilitative efforts. Few studies (e.g. Geriatric Rehabilitation by Muché, et al.) describe how the severity of depression impacts the patient's ability to achieve rehabilitation goals. Depression is common in the older population if a functional loss of mobility and inability.

Many individuals experience adverse physiological and psychological impairments following a stroke (Reynolds, 2004, pp. 601). In general, research shows most stroke survivors benefit from some type of inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. Stroke rehabilitation should begin as soon as the stroke is diagnosed and the patient is free from impending physiological danger. The goal of rehabilitation focuses on the recovery of physical and cognitive deficits while helping stroke survivors compensate for residual impairment in function. Researchers found rehabilitative efforts, in the early stages of stroke, improve survival and functional capacity in patients (Thompson, 2009, pp. 247). They also found early physical therapy, after a stroke, improve recovery of activities of daily living and lead to decreased time spent in rehabilitation settings.

Furthermore, they determined the most important priority for most stroke patients is to regain the ability to move or ambulate. Researchers examined the effects of stroke on performance of activities of daily living (ADL) and concluded patients place a high value on returning home and to community activities. Patients placed a higher degree of importance on regaining the ability to ambulate versus regaining the ability to perform other ADL's such as eating, bathing, dressing, and cooking (Thompson, 2009, pp. 247). The stroke survivor and her family's name have been changed for reasons of respect and to protect confidentiality.

Gibbs Cycle

In this assignment, the author will reflect on the situation that took place while caring for a stroke survivor named “Mary”. The author will demonstrate her use of interpersonal skills to illuminate the therapeutic relationships with her stroke survivor and husband. In this reflection, the author's going to use the Gibbs (1988) Reflective Cycle.

Gibbs (1988) consists of six stages to complete one cycle, which is able, to improve the stroke nurses practice continuously. This reflective learning from the experience leads the stroke nurse to develop better evidence based practice in the future of holistic family centered care (Visser et al, 2005). The stroke survivor is enabled to take part in this own individual care recovery plan. The stroke nurse guides the stroke survivor in discussing his “goals”. The stroke survivor's goals are discussed with the ...