Which would be a nursing goal in CVA care?

• A. Airway and Oxygenation
• B. Weight Loss
• C. Dialysis
• D. Radiation Therapy

Answer: (A)

In acute CVA care, the most urgent focus is protecting the airway and ensuring adequate oxygenation. A stroke can impair consciousness and swallow reflexes, making airway obstruction and aspiration a real risk. Keeping the airway clear and providing enough oxygen helps prevent further brain injury from hypoxia, which is why airway and oxygenation is the top nursing goal.

Practically, this means elevating the head of the bed if not contraindicated, continuously monitoring breathing and oxygen saturation, and delivering supplemental oxygen to maintain adequate SpO2. Be prepared to suction or assist ventilation if needed.

The other options don’t address the immediate threat to brain tissue after a stroke: weight management is not an acute priority, dialysis is not a standard stroke treatment, and radiation therapy isn’t used for stroke.