Capella University

PSYC FPX 3500 Learning and Cognition

Prof. Name

December, 2024

Case Study 

PSYC FPX 3500 assessment 3 The case study focuses on the older woman, Norma Lauderback, who was at home with her husband, Floyd. She was doing the dishes; when she suddenly dropped a plate; by this time, Floyd would have checked up on her in a hurry. She said her face was numb, and Floyd added that she was staggering and seemed out of balance, so he helped her to sit. Floyd then dialed 911. At the hospital, a physician examined Norma and recorded symptoms such as dizziness, numbness on one side of her face, and weakness in one limb. The CDC explains that these symptoms represent a stroke.

Signs and Symptoms of Stroke 

In the case of Norma Lauderback, all the signs and symptoms she displayed are those that are closely associated with a stroke. Her facial numbness suddenly, unilateral weakness and dizziness are all signs that are most commonly identified with this condition. Loss of balance also was an indicator that she had, as observed by her husband Floyd. As evidenced in the case study, these symptoms manifested suddenly, like with most strokes, while performing a routine activity. Proper recognition and Floyd’s quick decision to call 911 got her immediate medical attention, which is crucial in minimizing any future effects (Caicedo Rolón & Rivera Cadavid, 2021).

FAST Acronym 

The FAST acronym is a useful tool for detecting stroke symptoms, many of which were present in Norma Lauderback’s case. The “F” in FAST is face, and Norma’s sudden facial numbness is a common indicator of facial drooping or weakness (Pierce, 2020). The “A” represents arms, and although it is not stated, her unilateral weakness indicates that she may have experienced some difficulty with arm movement or coordination. The “S” refers to speech, which, although not detailed in the case, often comes with slurred or incoherent speech and could have been in this case. Finally, the “T” emphasis is on time, with Floyd’s quick response to Norma’s symptoms by making the 911 call emphasizing just how critical getting immediate medical help is in improving outcomes as well as reducing long-term effects.

Sources Supporting Diagnosis 

Clinical guidelines and authoritative health organizations describing the symptoms and criteria for stroke diagnosis can be considered supporting sources in the case of Norma Lauderback. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that among the most common signs of a stroke include facial numbness or drooping, weakness on one side of the body, dizziness, and sudden loss of balance—the symptoms that Norma experienced (Tan et al., 2022). Finally, the AHA also points out that in themselves, these signs and especially their abrupt onset are good indicators of a stroke (Jurgens et al., 2022). Diagnostic imaging is frequently confirmed by demonstration of the location of reduced flow or injury to the rain, in keeping with clinical presentation observed in Norma’s case. Such resources put across a stark message: “Act F.A.S.T.” and identify strokes.

Research Methods 

Many of these research methods and diagnostic tools applicable to Norma Lauderback’s case are used to diagnose and confirm a stroke. Highly relevant in the clinical assessment and observation where a healthcare provider identifies visible signs like unilateral weakness, facial numbness, or loss of balance. The gold standard for stroke diagnosis is considered to be imaging techniques such as CT and MRI scans, which are used to detect abnormalities in the brain, blood clots, or reduced blood flow. There may also be lab tests to determine glucose levels, clotting factors, or possible infections that could be mistaken for a stroke. Additionally, electrocardiograms (ECG) and echocardiograms are used in identifying heart-related problems, such as atrial fibrillation, that could lead to stroke. Organizations such as the CDC and the American Heart Association, through evidence-based clinical guidelines, further substantiate the correlation of the observed symptoms with stroke diagnosis, hence proper and timely care.

Treatment Options 

Treatment selection for the stroke is determined by the type of stroke: it could either be an ischemic stroke or a hemorrhagic one and also depends on the time scale of the treatment intervention (Mosconi & Paciaroni, 2022). The most common stroke, an ischemic stroke, usually is treated, depending on the present symptoms, with thrombolytics, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which can dissolve the blood clots and restore blood flow to the brain within hours following the stroke. The management of hemorrhagic stroke is either surgical evacuation of blood in the brain or repair of damaged blothe od vessels, alongside use of drugs to control high blood pressure and prevent additional hemorrhage. For all forms of stroke, antiplatelet therapy or anticoagulants are prescribed to avert subsequent strokes. Among the other treatments for a stroke is rwhichilitation therapy which is considered a vital step in stroke recovery. Treatment to rand egain lost functions, improvement of mobility, and communication abilities may include speech therapy and occupational and physical therapy. Thus, the purpose of such treatment is to reduce as much brain damage as possible while taking care of the symptoms with adequate recovery. Recovery will be best with timely treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Norma Lauderback’s case shows that one would have to be keen on recognizing the signs and symptoms of stroke early. The acronym FAST provides a very useful framework in which symptoms such as facial numbness, weakness, and balance issues are shown (Awrahman et al., 2022). Such intervention is critical for improving outcomes among stroke patients, as was Floyd’s quick decision to call 911. Healthcare providers can minimize brain damage and enhance recovery by using a combination of clinical assessment, diagnostic imaging, and appropriate treatments such as thrombolytics or surgical intervention. Rehabilitation therapy is very important to help restore function and improve the quality of life for stroke survivors. Understanding and acting on symptoms quickly can make a big difference in recovery and long-term health outcomes.

References 

Awrahman, B. J., Aziz Fatah, C., & Hamaamin, M. Y. (2022). A review of the role and challenges of big data in healthcare informatics and analytics. Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience, 2022(5317760), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5317760

Caicedo Rolón, A. J., & Rivera Cadavid, L. (2021). Hospital selection in emergency medical service systems: A literature review. Gerencia Y Políticas de Salud, 20. https://doi.org/10.11144/javeriana.rgps20.hsem

Jurgens, C. Y., Lee, C. S., Aycock, D. M., Masterson Creber, R., Denfeld, Q. E., DeVon, H. A., Evers, L. R., Jung, M., Pucciarelli, G., Streur, M. M., & Konstam, M. A. (2022). State of the science: the relevance of symptoms in cardiovascular disease and research: a scientific statement from the American heart association. Circulation, 146(12). https://doi.org/10.1161/cir.0000000000001089