Q. Are Jean’s results normal? Select either normal or abnormal for each result below.
Heart rate (HR): 115 bpm – Abnormal – Jean has a tachycardia. Normal Heart Rate (HR) is 50-80 bpm and regular. When a patient’s HR is monitored after stroke it is important to understand the implications of an irregular HR, when the HR is fast or slow, and when the HR changes significantly. Tachycardia is one of the first signs that a patient is beginning to deteriorate. Heart rate would be monitored frequently (<1 hour) and should be undertaken using a graded response strategy as per recommended guidelines and protocols. Using ABCDE approach: https://www.resus.org.uk/library/2015-resuscitation-guidelines/abcde-approach
Temperature: 36.8˚C – Normal – tympanic temperature is normally ≤ 37°C.
Oxygen saturation: 97% (on air) – Normal – Oxygen saturation is normally ≥ 95% on air.
Blood pressure (BP): 120/70 – Normal – blood pressure is often elevated (up to 220/110) after a stroke but this usually resolves without treatment. However because of Jean’s abnormal heart rate BP would also be monitored frequently (<1 hour).
Q. With these results; how often would you repeat the heart rate measurements? Select the correct frequency from the options below.
Heart Rate:
- every 15-30 minutes ✓
- every 4 hours
- every 12 hours
- daily
Because of Jean’s elevated Heart Rate monitoring every 15-30 minutes is recommended.
See additional Information for further resources on physiological monitoring in stroke.
Page last reviewed: 12 Oct 2020
