Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

What is a common term for a Cerebral Vascular Accident?

1. Stroke

2. Heart attack

3. Seizure

4. Syncope

The correct answer is: Stroke

A common term for a Cerebral Vascular Accident is indeed a stroke. This term is used because a stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting necessary oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to brain damage or even death if not treated promptly. The symptoms of a stroke can include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, and difficulty walking. Heart attack, on the other hand, refers specifically to a blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, which is a different medical condition. A seizure is typically a sudden uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain, leading to changes in behavior, movements, feelings, and consciousness. Syncope is a temporary loss of consciousness, often described as fainting, and is generally a result of decreased blood flow to the brain. Each of these terms describes different medical emergencies, underscoring why "stroke" is the appropriate term associated with a Cerebral Vascular Accident.