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The drug tPA has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to eliminate blood clots that are blocking an artery to the brain during an ischemic stroke. When the drug is given to a stroke victim within three hours of onset, he or she may recover far more quickly and avoid extensive disabilities as a result of the stroke.
Phelps Memorial Hospital Center also earned the Get With the Guidelines – Stroke “Gold Plus” Quality Achievement Award. This is given to facilities that have employed measures for improvement in quality when treating stroke patients.
The program provides the most modern treatments based on current research and helps stroke victims recover more quickly and reduce the risk of disability or death. Through use of proper medications and therapies, Phelps was able to meet the requirements for the award.
“Phelps is dedicated to improving the quality of stroke care, and Get With the Guidelines helps us achieve that goal,” Elaine Gardner, RN and stroke coordinator, said. “With this award, our hospital demonstrates our commitment to ensure that our patients receive care based on internationally respected clinical guidelines.”
The AHA/ASA reports that strokes are the fourth-leading cause of death in the U.S., and they are among the top causes of serious and long-term disabilities. Although they are common and prevalent, risks such as smoking, being overweight and untreated hypertension can be avoided.
For more information about Phelps, call 366-3397. To learn more about the Get With the Guidelines program, visit the website at http://www.americanheart.org/getwiththeguidelines.
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