ACLS - Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Acute Stroke Care Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 67-year-old male arrives at the Emergency Department with signs of an acute stroke that began 90 minutes ago.
After an initial assessment, which of the following actions is the highest priority according to the ACLS Stroke Algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Obtain a non-contrast head CT scan.

Answer

Administer 325 mg of aspirin.

Answer

Consult with the neurology service.

Answer

Draw blood for a complete blood count and coagulation studies.

Question 2

According to the American Heart Association's time-sensitive goals for acute stroke care, what is the target 'door-to-needle' time for the administration of intravenous alteplase in eligible candidates?

Accepted Answer

Within 60 minutes of arrival.

Answer

Within 30 minutes of arrival.

Answer

Within 90 minutes of arrival.

Answer

Within 45 minutes of arrival.

Question 3

A 72-year-old female presents with symptoms of an acute ischemic stroke that started 2 hours ago. A non-contrast head CT confirms no hemorrhage. However, her blood pressure on repeated measurements is 190/112 mmHg. What is the most appropriate next step before administering fibrinolytic therapy?

Accepted Answer

Carefully lower her blood pressure to be at or below 185/110 mmHg.

Answer

Administer alteplase immediately as she is within the time window.

Answer

Give a full dose of aspirin and monitor blood pressure.

Answer

Withhold alteplase as hypertension is an absolute contraindication.

Question 4

Which of the following is a core component of the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS) used for rapid stroke assessment?

Accepted Answer

Facial droop

Answer

Pupil reaction

Answer

Grip strength

Answer

Blood glucose level

Question 5

The '8 D's of Stroke Care' outline the ideal chain of survival. Which 'D' specifically refers to the rapid triage, evaluation, and management of the patient within the emergency department?

Accepted Answer

Data

Answer

Delivery

Answer

Decision

Answer

Dispatch

Question 6

A patient with a confirmed acute ischemic stroke is a candidate for alteplase. Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for administering this fibrinolytic therapy?

Accepted Answer

Evidence of active internal bleeding.

Answer

Patient age over 80 years.

Answer

History of a well-controlled diabetic condition.

Answer

Stroke symptoms are considered severe (NIHSS > 22).

A 67-year-old male arrives at the Emergency Department with signs of an acute stroke that began 90 minutes ago.After an initial assessment, which of the following actions is the highest priority according to the ACLS Stroke Algorithm?

A 67-year-old male arrives at the Emergency Department with signs of an acute stroke that began 90 minutes ago.
After an initial assessment, which of the following actions is the highest priority according to the ACLS Stroke Algorithm?