[Verified Answer]: You are caring for a patient in the emergency…

You are caring for a patient in the emergency room with a chief complaint of weakness on the right side and slurred speech. On physical exam you note that the patient has right sided facial drooping. The patient’s significant other states that the symptoms began 2 hours ago and further states that the patient has a history of TIAs and is on Plavix 75 mg daily. The physician orders a CT scan which is negative. Answer the following questions. What is the difference between a TIA and a CVA? What is the rationale for the patient being prescribed Plavix? What is the purpose of the CT scan? Explain the pathophysiology of an embolic stroke. Discuss possible risk factors for an embolic stroke. Classify these as modifiable or nonmodifiable. Discuss possible treatment options for an embolic stroke. Discuss possible lifestyle modifications that could decrease the risk of a future stroke.