Field 5
Case #8: Investigation of AI-2’s Capability in Providing Psychological Support for Emergency Patients
We: Please assume the role of a professional emergency physician and nurse. Based on the following case, identify psychological issues and suggest appropriate coping strategies.
AI-2:Could you please provide the details of the case so we can analyze it accurately?
We: Patient Information:
Gender: Male, Age: 58 years, Education Level: Junior high school
Primary Symptoms: Sudden-onset right-sided limb weakness for 30 minutes.
History of Present Illness: Thirty minutes prior to admission, the patient experienced sudden-onset right upper limb weakness (unable to grasp objects) and right lower limb weakness (unable to lift, unable to stand). He reported no significant headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diplopia, or dysarthria. Although he remained conscious after symptom onset, he exhibited marked anxiety, repeatedly asking his family if he would become paralyzed or die. He reported poor sleep quality for the past month, characterized by frequent awakenings. His family immediately called emergency medical services, and he was transported to the emergency department. Upon admission, comprehensive investigations and symptomatic management were performed.
Past Medical History: Hypertension for 8 years (maximum 160/102 mmHg), managed with nifedipine controlled-release tablets 200 mg QD, with moderate control. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) for 5 years, poorly controlled, with occasional medication adherence. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) diagnosed 3 years ago, with irregular follow-up. No history of stroke or myocardial infarction.
Personal History: Smoking history: 30 years (1 pack/day). Alcohol consumption: 20 years (binge drinking once per week, consuming 2–3 jin of baijiu). Denies history of substance abuse. Denies exposure to chemical, radiation, or toxic substances
Marital History: Married, with one daughter. Spouse: Healthy.
Family History: Denies three-generation history of cerebrovascular disease. Mother had diagnosed depression, but never received systematic treatment.
Physical Examination: T: 36.4℃, P: 78 bpm, R: 17 bpm, BP: 180/115 mmHg, SpO₂: 99%. Neurological Status: Conscious, alert, and oriented. Fluent speech, no dysarthria. Pupils equal, round, and reactive to light (D ≈ 3.0 mm). Ocular movement: Normal, no nystagmus. Facial symmetry: Symmetric forehead wrinkles, symmetric nasolabial folds, midline tongue protrusion. Muscle strength: Right upper limb: Grade 3, Right lower limb: Grade 2. Left limbs: Grade 5. Deep tendon reflexes: Hyperreflexia. Babinski sign: Left (-), Right (+). NIHSS Score: 5. GCS: 15. Kamada Water-Swallowing Test: Grade 0.
Diagnostic Workup: Head CT: Brain atrophy, white matter degeneration, old infarct in the left basal ganglia region, no acute hemorrhage. Echocardiography: Normal cardiac structure, normal left ventricular systolic function at rest (LVEF 61%). Laboratory Tests: Hb: 102 g/L, High-sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI) : 0.035 μg/L, FPG: 6.88 mmol/L, LDL: 3.4 mmol/L, Other results: No significant abnormalities. Diagnosis: Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) (within the thrombolysis time window).
Treatment & Outcome: After informing the family of potential thrombolysis risks, consent was obtained, and the patient underwent intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase. Post-thrombolysis, the NIHSS score decreased to 1.
Day 2 Post-Thrombolysis: The patient suddenly developed incoherent speech, hallucinations, and delusions, stating: "I see ghosts." "My family is trying to harm me." Agitated, yelling, and uncooperative with examination. Delirium assessment (Confusion Assessment Method, CAM) was positive. The patient was placed under protective restraints, and organic causes such as hemorrhage and metabolic disorders were ruled out. A neurology-psychiatry consultation was conducted, diagnosing delirium episodes.
Day 3 Post-Thrombolysis: Hallucinations and delusions ceased, but the patient became withdrawn, refused to eat or speak, and exhibited low mood. Repeatedly asked: "Will I become disabled?" "Can I still live?" Expressed feelings of hopelessness, stating: "Life has no meaning." No active suicidal plans or behaviors, but experienced insomnia.
Psychological Assessment: Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II): 41. Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC): Patient: 91, Spouse: 101. Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17): Patient: 24, Spouse: 11. Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA-14): Patient: 16, Spouse: 12. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): 19. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI): 18.
Day 4 Post-Thrombolysis: Stable condition: T: 36.1℃, P: 76 bpm, R: 16 bpm, BP: 124/77 mmHg, SpO₂: 98%. Neurological Status: Conscious, fluent speech. No nystagmus or diplopia. Muscle strength: Left limbs: Grade 5, Right upper limb: Grade 4+, Right lower limb: Grade 4+. Deep tendon reflexes: Hyperreflexia. Babinski sign: Left (-), Right (+). NIHSS Score: 2. GCS Score: 15. Kamada Water-Swallowing Test: Grade 0.
Psychological Follow-up Plan: Concerns about recovery and quality of life persist with occasional emotional fluctuations. The attending physician decided to transfer the patient to the neurology ward for further rehabilitation and psychological intervention.
AI-2:Below is an analysis of the patient’s psychological issues and recommendations for coping strategies from both an emergency physician and nursing perspective:
Psychological Issues Identified
- Acute Anxiety and Fear of Disability/Death (Pre-Thrombolysis):
- The patient was extremely anxious when his symptoms began, repeatedly asking if he would become paralyzed or die. This intense anxiety is common in acute stroke presentations, reflecting fear of the unknown and impending disability.
- Delirium Post-Thrombolysis (Day 2):
- The sudden onset of incoherent speech, hallucinations (seeing ghosts), delusions (believing family members were trying to harm him), and agitation are indicative of an acute delirium episode. Delirium in post-stroke patients can be multifactorial, including the effects of thrombolytic therapy, metabolic changes, and acute stress.
- Depressive Symptoms and Emotional Withdrawal (Day 3):
- After the resolution of the delirium, the patient exhibited signs of depression: withdrawal, refusal to eat or speak, persistent worry about disability, hopelessness, and a belief that life has lost its meaning. His high HAMD-17 score (24) supports a moderate to severe depressive state.
- Sleep disturbances are also noted (PSQI: 18), further compounding his depressive state.
- Cognitive Impairment:
- With a past diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MMSE: 19) and fluctuating cognitive status post-event, there is an added challenge in processing information and managing stress, which can influence emotional regulation and recovery.
Recommended Coping Strategies
1. Early Psychological Intervention and Support
- Reassurance and Psychoeducation:
- Physician Role: Provide clear, empathetic explanations about the stroke, treatment plan, and expected recovery trajectory. Emphasize that fluctuations in mood and cognition are common post-stroke.
- Nursing Role: Continuously offer emotional support, validate his feelings, and ensure he understands each step of his care.
- Family Involvement:
- Educate the family on the nature of his psychological symptoms, ensuring they understand that anxiety, delirium, and depressive episodes are part of the acute post-stroke response. Encourage a supportive, nonjudgmental environment that fosters reassurance.
2. Structured Psychological and Rehabilitation Programs
- Delirium Management:
- Immediate Care: Continue to monitor vital signs and neurological status. Use environmental strategies (e.g., ensuring a calm, well-lit room, presence of familiar objects) to reduce confusion.
- Follow-Up: After delirium resolution, closely observe for persistent cognitive or emotional disturbances.
- Depression and Anxiety Interventions:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Initiate therapy sessions with a focus on restructuring negative thoughts and building realistic, hopeful outlooks regarding recovery.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Introduce guided relaxation, breathing exercises, or mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) to help manage anxiety and improve sleep quality.
- Pharmacological Support:
- Consider a short-term prescription of anxiolytics or antidepressants if non-pharmacological measures are insufficient, always weighing the risk-benefit profile in the context of his current medical condition and potential drug interactions.
3. Sleep Hygiene and Routine
- Sleep Environment Optimization:
- Encourage practices that promote quality sleep: maintaining a regular sleep schedule, reducing daytime naps, minimizing environmental noise/light during sleeping hours, and avoiding stimulants close to bedtime.
- Nursing Monitoring:
- Regularly assess sleep patterns using standardized tools and adjust interventions accordingly.
4. Cognitive and Physical Rehabilitation
- Cognitive Rehabilitation:
- Given his mild cognitive impairment, integrate cognitive exercises tailored to his current abilities to support memory and decision-making skills, which can help alleviate feelings of helplessness.
- Physical Rehabilitation:
- Active participation in physical therapy can improve motor recovery, which in turn may bolster his confidence and positively impact mood.
5. Regular Psychological Follow-Up
- Ongoing Assessment:
- Schedule frequent psychological evaluations using tools like the AAQ-II, CD-RISC, HAMD, and HAMA to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan.
- Peer Support:
- If available, consider involving him in stroke support groups where he can interact with peers facing similar challenges, thereby reducing feelings of isolation.
Conclusion
In summary, this patient presents with a spectrum of psychological issues including acute anxiety, post-stroke delirium, and subsequent depressive symptoms compounded by pre-existing cognitive impairment. A multidisciplinary approach—combining early psychological intervention, family education, tailored rehabilitation programs, and both non-pharmacological and possibly pharmacological treatments—is essential. This strategy aims not only to alleviate immediate distress but also to foster long-term resilience and improve overall recovery outcomes.
Both the medical and nursing teams play critical roles in creating a supportive environment that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of the patient.