Practice Test Geeks(ASC) Advanced Stroke Coordinator Certification Practice Test
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ASC Stroke Pharmacotherapy & Medication Management Flashcards

6 cards from real ASC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Which oral anticoagulant class is preferred over warfarin for secondary stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation per current AHA guidelines?

    Answer: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs)

    DOACs (apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, edoxaban) are preferred over warfarin for AF-related stroke prevention due to superior efficacy and safety profiles.

  2. A stroke patient with atrial fibrillation and acute ischemic stroke should typically have anticoagulation initiated within what timeframe to balance stroke recurrence versus hemorrhagic transformation risk?

    Answer: 4–14 days after stroke depending on infarct size

    Guidelines recommend initiating anticoagulation between day 4 and 14 based on stroke severity and infarct size, balancing recurrence and bleeding risk.

  3. Which agent is the reversal medication for dabigatran in a stroke patient with life-threatening hemorrhage?

    Answer: Idarucizumab (Praxbind)

    Idarucizumab is the specific reversal agent for dabigatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor, approved for emergency reversal.

  4. Statin therapy is recommended after ischemic stroke primarily to reduce recurrence risk through which mechanism?

    Answer: Plaque stabilization and LDL reduction

    Statins reduce recurrent stroke risk primarily by stabilizing atherosclerotic plaque and lowering LDL cholesterol levels.

  5. A patient with acute ischemic stroke not treated with tPA has a blood pressure of 220/120 mmHg. Per AHA guidelines, when should antihypertensive therapy be initiated?

    Answer: Only if BP exceeds 220/120 mmHg persistently or symptomatic end-organ damage is present

    For non-tPA patients, guidelines recommend withholding antihypertensives unless BP exceeds 220/120 or there is evidence of acute end-organ damage within the first 24–48 hours.

  6. Which pharmacologic agent is used to treat symptomatic cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage in stroke program patients?

    Answer: Nimodipine

    Nimodipine, an oral calcium channel blocker with selective cerebrovascular activity, is the standard pharmacologic therapy for reducing vasospasm-related neurological deficits after SAH.