Stroke - Pre-Assessment

A patient with ischemic stroke receives fibrinolytic therapy. Anticoagulant therapy should be withheld for how long?

24 hrs

Within how much time from the patient's arrival at the facility should a brain imaging scan be interpreted?

45 minutes

An abnormal finding in any one of the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale assessment areas is associated with what probability of stroke?

72%

If brain imaging reveals hemorrhage, treatment depends on the cause and severity of the bleeding. In addition to basic life support measures, care should include which other measures?

Controlling the internal bleeding Managing blood pressure Treating seizures

The two main types of stroke are ischemic and ______________.

Hemorrhagic

Within how much time from the patient's arrival at the facility should brain imaging be ordered for a patient with a suspected stroke?

10 min

Which actions are indicated as part of the primary assessment of a patient with suspected acute stroke?

Administer supplemental oxygen if pulse oximetry reveals oxygen saturation less than 94%. Establish cardiac monitoring

A patient received fibrinolytic therapy and was transferred to a monitored bed on a dedicated stroke unit. Care would now focus on which activities?

Assessing for signs of intracranial bleeding Controlling blood glucose levels Supporting airway, breathing and circulation Managing hypertension

What percentage of embolic strokes are associated with atrial fibrillation?

Between 15-20%

Which signs and symptoms indicate stroke?

Blurred vision Impaired balance Sudden, severe headache

A patient with a stroke is admitted to a dedicated stroke unit. This action reflects which of the 8 Ds of stroke care?

Disposition

A key decision point when providing care for a patient with a stroke is to determine whether the stroke is ______ or _______.

Ischemic or hemorrhagic

The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) evaluates which areas?

Motor function Visual fields Language deficits Level of consciousness

Which defining features are characteristics of a stroke?

Primary involvement of the central nervous system Ischemic or hemorrhagic cause Sudden onset of signs and symptoms

Which conditions should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis for a patient who presents with signs and symptoms of acute stroke?

Seizure disorder Migraine Hypoglycemia

Which actions taken by prehospital providers can improve outcomes for patients with acute stroke?

Transporting the patient to a facility capable of assessing and treating stroke Notifying the receiving facility in advance of the patient's arrival Assigning the highest level of priority to potential stroke calls

Noncontrast computed tomography is an acceptable acute brain imaging option for patients with suspected acute stroke.

True

A patient is being assessed for possible acute stroke. Which questions are critical for the healthcare provider to obtain answers to during the patient history?

When did your symptoms begin? What medications are you currently taking?

What is the ideal time frame for the administration of fibrinolytic therapy?

Within 3 hrs of symptom onset

What is the ideal time frame for the administration of endovascular therapy?

Within 6 hrs of symptom onset