Nursing care regarding complications of stroke: an integrative review of Brazilian literature

Abstract

The objective of this integrative review was to analyze the knowledge regarding nursing care of individuals experiencing stroke complications present in the LILACS database. The criteria for the eligibility were: consistency with the terms “cuidado” (care) and “acidente vascular encefálico” (stroke); published in Portuguese; available in full-text; and published between 2000 and 2011. Twenty articles were found, and the data were collected using a form created for this purpose. The analysis was performed through an analytical and interpretative reading. Most studies focused on the problem of patient dependence and the role of family caregivers; understanding the experiences and feelings of the family caregiver; and the impact of the disease on the family. It was observed that it is important to prepare the family caregiver to provide home care. Nurses are called on to teach the family how to take care of the patient and instruct the patient regarding self-care.

Descriptors: Stroke; Nursing; Nursing Care.