What does CVA stand for in medical terms?

CVA stands for Cerebral Vascular Accident, which refers to a medical condition commonly known as a stroke. It occurs when there is an interruption in the blood supply to a part of the brain, which can lead to brain damage and impairments in bodily functions. This term highlights the involvement of cerebral blood vessels and emphasizes the vascular aspect of the condition.

Understanding this term is important in medical settings, particularly in nursing homes, where a significant population may be at risk for strokes due to age and comorbidity factors. Identifying CVAs and recognizing the signs and symptoms can be crucial for timely intervention and overall patient care.

The other options do not accurately define CVA. "Cardiovascular Accident" could easily be confused with a heart-related issue, which is not the focus here. "Chronic Vascular Accident" implies a long-term vascular issue rather than an acute event like a stroke. "Critical Vascular Accident" does not exist as a standard medical term and does not convey the specific type of vascular event occurring in the brain.